Artwork

The Four Evangelists

The Four Evangelists, by Italian 17th Century, chalk, 1564
The Four Evangelists, by Italian 17th Century, chalk, 1564

The Four Evangelists is a chalk drawing by the Renaissance artist Italian 17th Century. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Four Evangelists is a drawing executed in pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts four winged figures, likely representing the Evangelists, amidst swirling clouds and wind, with attributes such as halos and books.

Technique & Style

The work features loose, rapid lines and layered details achieved through the use of ink and chalk, creating shadows and textures. The style is suggestive of a study or preparatory work.

Context

The drawing's technique, including the use of layered media and loose lines, is characteristic of a working process, possibly exploring composition or figure representation.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Italian 17th Century

Artist

Italian 17th Century

This Italian artist worked in the 17th century, making engravings, ink drawings, and oil paintings.

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