Betende und ein Alter, in einem Buch lesend 

"Betende und ein Alter, in einem Buch lesend" is a drawing by the Italian Baroque artist Guercino. It depicts a woman in prayer and a man reading a book, their bodies partially obscured by lines that seem to move through and around them. The drawing is a study for a larger work, likely an altarpiece, demonstrating Guercino's quick and expressive style. The lines in this drawing suggest the artist's interest in exploring movement and capturing a momentary gesture, typical of Baroque drawing practices. It is housed in the Städel Museum.