This gallery consists of images depicting creation and Christ; images drawn according to the beliefs in Christian Mythology. The following images are all done with pen, and chalk wash, and they’re high contrast artworks. Each individual piece of artwork depicts Christ at some point in his life here on Earth. Take a look, and enjoy!
Adam and Eve, Albrecht Dürer, 1504, From the collection of: The Morgan Library & Museum
This image is a depiction of the famed couple, Adam and Eve. They were said to be the first people that God created, and the only humans in the Garden of Eden. If you look at the drawing, it is obvious that Adam and Eve are the focal point of this image. They contrast with the background, and thus stand out from anything else in the image.
Satan Exulting over Eve, William Blake, 1795, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This piece of artwork depicts Satan gloating because of his victory of Eve in the Garden of Eden. I love the colors, faint but elegant throughout the entire piece of artwork. The use of chalk washing over the pen gives the artwork a subtle hint of color. This technique is great if you don’t want to take away from the actual artwork, but still want a bit of color.
Nativity of Our Lord, Lelio Orsi, Unknown, From the collection of: Civic Museums of Reggio Emilia
In this drawing we see the nativity of Jesus Christ. The use of highlighting and deep shadowing give this artwork beautiful contrasting lines and shapes. The method of shadowing, commonly known as “cross-hatching” is a simple way to create shadows. This artist made great use of this technique, and was able to create an amazing piece of art. The inhabitants of this scene, though they’re not very detailed, stand out from their surroundings quite nicely due to the deep shadows used in the piece.
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Peter Paul Rubens, about 1613–1614, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
In this piece of art, yet again, we see the nativity of Jesus. In this image the shepherds are in awe of the savior, and are gathered around him. The choice to use lighting effects only around the baby Jesus, makes a great glowing effect in this drawing. It is a great way to show illumination in a piece of pen and chalk artwork.
Landscape with the Holy Family (Rest on the Flight into Egypt), Alessandro Algardi, Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi, about 1650, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Looking at this piece of artwork, you will notice a lot of fine lines and great shadows. This attention to detail makes for an amazing piece of art, and a great visual representation of the artist’s original idea. We see the Holy family in the foreground, and a huge tree that is full and towering over the family. The details in this image are nothing short of amazing.
Christ Taking Leave of His Mother, Hans Schäufelein, 1510, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This drawing is simple, detailed, and none-the-less amazing. The subtle details and light shadows leave room for a soft flowing feel in this piece. There is a lot of emotion that can be felt by simply looking at this image of Christ leaving Mary’s side. I feel that the lack of fine detailing might leave one thinking that this artwork is “too simple”, but I think that it gives it a feeling of simplicity in an otherwise chaotic time.
The Mocking of Christ, Niklaus Manuel Deutsch, about 1513–1514, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
The first thing that you might notice about this piece of art is that there is a slight lack of shadowing. Well, that is probably due to the fact that the artist, rather than actually creating deep shadowing, used excessive lighting instead. Each figure in the drawing are, for the most part, covered in highlighted areas. This might be due to the usage of pen being only for the outlines of the figures and objects in the image, rather than the shadowing effect as well.
Christ Being Crowning with Thorns, Maarten van Heemskerck, About 1548, From the collection of: SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst
In this image you might notice the use of the “cross-hatching” method, yet again. It is a commonly used method, and has been throughout history. There are many fine details in this piece of artwork, and the chalk washing helps with the faint shadows and soft highlights. The soft lines and curves of the men depicted in the work of art, might suggest that they’re saddened by the act that is taking place.
Crucifixion of Christ, Anonymous, 1440/1450, From the collection of: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
In this piece of artwork, there seems to be a lot going on in both the foreground, and the background as well. There is a heavy use of shading that has been used in this piece, and everything seems to be clustered in together. There are loads of fine details that are visually apparent in this work of art as well.
Angels Bearing the Column of the Passion, Friedrich Sustris, about 1580–1590, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
I think that this drawing, might just be my favorite of them all. I find that the simplicity is what really makes it a great piece of art. There are a few fine details, but for the most part it is made up of outlines and subtle shading. I think that the best part of the entire piece, is the expression on the face of the Angel that is holding the front end of the pillar. Priceless.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
