Artwork

A Man Lifting a Bundle

A Man Lifting a Bundle, by Leandro Bassano, charcoal, 1592
A Man Lifting a Bundle, by Leandro Bassano, charcoal, 1592

A Man Lifting a Bundle is a charcoal drawing by the Renaissance artist Leandro Bassano. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Man Lifting a Bundle is a drawing by Leandro Bassano, created around 1592. It is executed in charcoal with red and white chalk on blue paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a figure in a loose robe straining to lift a heavy bundle with both hands. The face is indistinct, while the arms convey effort and tension.

Technique & Style

The artist employed rapid, sketchy lines and smudged charcoal to capture movement and texture. Red chalk adds a touch of warmth to the predominantly cool blue paper, while tonal contrasts create depth and dimension.

History & Provenance

Leandro Bassano, the youngest son of Jacopo Bassano, developed his artistic style in Bassano del Grappa. He later contributed to the Venetian Renaissance and was knighted by the Doge of Venice.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Leandro Bassano

Artist

Leandro Bassano

Leandro Bassano (10 June 1557 – 15 April 1622), also called Leandro dal Ponte, was an Italian Renaissance painter from Bassano del Grappa who was awarded a knighthood by the Doge of Venice.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.