Seated Peasant
1745
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1745
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a seated person wearing a loose, buttoned shirt and a shawl draped over their shoulders. Their hands rest on their lap, and the drawing focuses on their face—wrinkled, with a slight smile. The lines are quick and rough, giving a sense of movement and life. The artist used only black chalk on textured paper, which adds depth to the shadows and folds of the clothing. This style fits the Baroque period, where artists often played with light and form. Next, look up Baroque to see how this sketch fits into that era’s dramatic, expressive style.