Amnon and Tamar 1649

"Amnon and Tamar" is a red chalk drawing created in 1649 by the Italian Baroque artist Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, 1591-1666). The drawing depicts a scene from the biblical story of Amnon and Tamar, in which Amnon, the son of King David, rapes his half-sister Tamar. The drawing shows Amnon reaching for Tamar's chest, while she is depicted looking away in dismay. Guercino's use of red chalk creates a sense of drama and intensity, while the loose, gestural lines evoke the emotional turmoil of the scene. This drawing is a preparatory sketch for a larger painting on the same subject, highlighting Guercino's process of creating a work of art.