Artwork

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, by German 16th Century, ink
Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, by German 16th Century, ink

Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist German 16th Century. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled "Christ in the Garden of Gethsemila" is a drawing executed with pen, brush, black ink, and a gray wash, accented with white highlights on a gray-prepared paper surface. The composition depicts the biblical scene of Christ praying in the garden, rendered in a monochromatic palette that emphasizes tonal contrast and atmospheric depth.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a combination of pen lines and brushwork, layering black ink with a diluted gray wash to build form and shadow. Selective application of white pigment creates highlights that lift elements from the background, while the gray ground provides a muted foundation. This approach yields a subtle chiaroscuro effect typical of preparatory studies in the Western drawing tradition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 16th Century

Artist

German 16th Century

A German artist from the late 1500s drew lively scenes of knights clashing in parades and mock battles.

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