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A Monk Seated with Arms Outstretched [Study for the Virgin in the _Vision of Blessed Felice da Cantalice_]

Fra Semplice da Verona

1625

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Religious

Dominant colour

A Monk Seated with Arms Outstretched [Study for the Virgin in the _Vision of Blessed Felice da Cantalice_] is a 1625 chalk by Fra Semplice da Verona, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Fra Semplice da Verona
When & what style?: 1625 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a robed figure sitting with arms spread wide. The lines are rough and dark, with some red chalk for the hands and face. The paper is blue, and the figure looks like it’s draped in heavy cloth. The artist used quick, sketchy strokes to show folds in the fabric and shadows. This was likely a practice drawing for a bigger religious painting. Next, look up Baroque to see how this style used movement and drama.