Italian Prince before Margaret of Austria

Antonio Tempesta

1612

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

About this work

This sketch shows a group of people gathered in a dim room with wooden walls. A woman in fancy clothes stands near a doorway, talking to a man who looks nervous. The others watch closely—some lean in, others hold papers or stand stiffly. The lighting is low, and the scene feels tense. The artist used lines to show texture, like the wood and fabric. The faces are simple but full of expression, especially the man in the center. His crossed arms and worried look stand out. Next, check out how this artist used etching to create such sharp details.