Saint Jerome, After Raphael 

This is Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres' drawing of Saint Jerome after Raphael, made using red chalk. The striking use of a singular color immediately focuses our attention on the meticulous line work and shading that defines the figure's form. Ingres employs a cross-hatching technique to build up tonal depth, creating a rich texture that models Saint Jerome's features and clothing. This technique is particularly evident in the face, where the density of lines accentuates the solemnity of the Saint. The hat, with its broad, simple shapes, contrasts with the detailed rendering of the face, framing it and drawing our eyes to the psychological intensity captured in the Saint's gaze. By focusing on line and form, Ingres invites us to consider how the formal elements of drawing can convey depth, emotion, and a sense of historical and spiritual gravitas. This challenges us to look beyond the subject matter and appreciate the aesthetic language through which meaning is constructed.