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Studies for a Biblical Scene with God the Father Appearing to a Bearded Male Figure

Roman 17th Century

1601

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

Studies for a Biblical Scene with God the Father Appearing to a Bearded Male Figure is a 1601 ink by Roman 17th Century, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Roman 17th Century
When & what style?: 1601 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three rough, ink-drawn figures in motion. One man stands with arms outstretched, as if reaching for something. Another man, smaller and bent, holds a staff. In the background, two more figures float in loose, swirling lines—one looks like an older man with a beard, the other a cloudy, ghostly shape. The quick, messy lines suggest the artist was testing poses and expressions. The paper shows texture, and the ink is uneven, like a first draft. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.