Artwork
Fortitude
Fortitude is a chalk drawing by the Renaissance artist Maarten de Vos. It dates from 1568 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Fortitude is a drawing created by Maarten de Vos in 1568, executed in pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a robust figure holding a rock and a smaller human form, standing within an arched framework and wearing a leafy wreath. The composition suggests a narrative, with the figure's attributes conveying a symbolic meaning.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by simple yet precise lines and shading that lends a solid, muscular appearance to the figure. The restricted color palette, limited to brown ink and chalk, gives the drawing a sketch-like quality.
Artist & collection
