Statue of Zeus Holding a Thunderbolt
1760
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1760
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a figure in a draped garment, with one arm extended and the other holding a long object. The figure is depicted in a classical style, with a sense of movement and energy. The drawing is done in black chalk on laid paper, with bold lines and expressive shading. The artist has used a range of techniques to create texture and depth, from soft hatching to sharp lines. The sketch is reminiscent of the work of artists who explored the expressive potential of drawing during the Romantic period. For more on this style, explore the movement of Romanticism.