Two Seated Women
1562
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1562
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two women sitting close together, their arms touching. One holds a scroll or paper, while the other rests her hand on her chest. Their bodies are drawn with loose, flowing lines, and the background is filled with quick, sketchy marks. The artist used ink and wash to create soft shadows and textures, giving the figures a gentle, unfinished look. This style was common in Renaissance studies where artists explored poses and expressions before painting. Look up technique: cross-hatching to see how artists built up shading with layers of lines.
