1640
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Four Fathers of the Church is a 1640 ink by Jacob de Wit, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows four robed men with long beards, sitting in a half-circle. One holds a cross-topped staff, another a book, and a third gestures with his hands. The fourth man, in the center, wears a tall, pointed hat and seems to be speaking. Behind them, a rough brick wall and a globe sit on a table. The drawing uses quick, sketchy lines with soft brown and gray washes, giving it a warm, faded look. The artist highlighted some areas with white paint to make details pop. Next, check out the technique: gouache to see how artists use it to add color and texture.
Jacob de Wit (19 December 1695 – 12 November 1754) was a Dutch painter and interior decorator. He is best known for his depictions of religious scenes.
See the richer artist page
