Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence

Italienische Grafik 1640–1747, 1720/1724

This is a drawing of a scene set in an ancient amphitheater. Various classical figures are depicted engaging in different activities. A central character lies on a raised platform, surrounded by expressive figures. Above, winged figures are seen floating on clouds. The arches of the amphitheater are filled with observing figures. The characters are dressed in ancient Roman or Greek attire, and the drawing uses strong contrasts of light and shadow.
Artist
Italienische Grafik 1640–1747
Date
1720/1724
Type
Drawing
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash and black chalk, heightened with white gouache on gray-blue laid paper
Dimensions
34.6 × 49.2 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a drawing of a scene set in an ancient amphitheater. Various classical figures are depicted engaging in different activities. A central character lies on a raised platform, surrounded by expressive figures. Above, winged figures are seen floating on clouds. The arches of the amphitheater are filled with observing figures. The characters are dressed in ancient Roman or Greek attire, and the drawing uses strong contrasts of light and shadow.

Italienische Grafik 1640–1747