Scene of a Baptism of a Woman by a Bishop with Onlookers 1600 - 1700

This anonymous drawing from the 17th century depicts a scene of a woman being baptized by a bishop. The drawing is done in brown ink and washes and is in the style of a preparatory sketch for a larger painting. The artist's focus on the figures and the flowing lines of their garments creates a sense of drama and movement. The composition is focused on the central figures of the bishop and the woman being baptized, while the other figures in the background provide context and support the narrative. The drawing captures the solemnity and importance of the ceremony and provides a glimpse into the religious practices of the time. The drawing is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.