Man Seated on the Ground, Seen from Behind (recto); Sketch (verso)

1504

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Man Seated on the Ground, Seen from Behind (recto); Sketch (verso) is a 1504 by Unknown, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1504 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a person sitting on the ground with their back to us. The lines are quick and loose, almost like a hurried note. One hand rests on their knee, and their hair looks messy and wild. The paper’s other side is blank but full of texture—maybe the artist was testing the surface. The drawing feels more like a quick study than a finished work. If you like this sketchy style, look up sfumato next.