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Jacob Allowing Benjamin to Go to Egypt with His Brothers

James, Sir Thornhill

1722

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century

Dominant colour

Jacob Allowing Benjamin to Go to Egypt with His Brothers is a 1722 ink by James, Sir Thornhill, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: James, Sir Thornhill
When & what style?: 1722 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a group of people gathered under a rough, wavy ceiling. One man kneels in the front, holding a staff, while others sit or crouch around him. Their faces are drawn with quick, light lines, and some look worried or serious. A child stands near the center, reaching up toward the seated figures. The artist used thin, layered lines to create shadows and texture, giving the scene a sketchy, unfinished feel. This style was common in studies or preparatory drawings. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build up tone with layers of lines.