The Flagellation

Italienische Grafik 1579–1623, c. 1629

This is a drawing of a group of classical figures set in an architectural setting. The composition shows a series of muscular figures, partly unclothed, dynamically posed in a scene suggesting action or narrative related to a classical or mythological story. The setting is a grand architectural interior with large arches and detailed wall designs, punctuated by columns and pilasters. The use of light and shadow is rendered with delicate hatch marks, adding three-dimensional depth to the figures and structure. The drawing employs a monochromatic palette with sepia tones, typical of Renaissance preparatory sketches or studies with notable attention to anatomy and form, echoing the style of artists like Michelangelo or Raphael.
Artist
Italienische Grafik 1579–1623
Date
c. 1629
Type
Drawing
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk, heightened with white gouache, on blue laid paper (faded to light brown), squared for transfer in red chalk
Dimensions
26 × 20.2 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a drawing of a group of classical figures set in an architectural setting. The composition shows a series of muscular figures, partly unclothed, dynamically posed in a scene suggesting action or narrative related to a classical or mythological story. The setting is a grand architectural interior with large arches and detailed wall designs, punctuated by columns and pilasters. The use of light and shadow is rendered with delicate hatch marks, adding three-dimensional depth to the figures and structure. The drawing employs a monochromatic palette with sepia tones, typical of Renaissance preparatory sketches or studies with notable attention to anatomy and form, echoing the style of artists like Michelangelo or Raphael.

Italienische Grafik 1579–1623