Ancient Sculptures with a Cock Fighting a Snake
1750
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1750
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a crumbling stone building with broken columns and carvings. In the center, a small pedestal holds a carved relief of two figures, maybe gods or heroes. To the right, a cock stands on a plinth, pecking at a coiled snake. The whole scene looks weathered, like ruins left behind. The cock fighting a snake is a classic symbol of good vs. evil. The artist drew it small but packed it with detail. Next, check out Baroque to see how drama and movement shaped this style.
