Saint John the Baptist Preaching n.d.

This pen drawing, “Saint John the Baptist Preaching,” by Annibale Carracci, is a study for a larger composition and depicts the biblical figure of Saint John the Baptist preaching to a group of people. The artist, known for his contributions to the Bolognese School, masterfully captured the dynamic composition through detailed hatching and cross-hatching techniques. The scene, set in a lush wooded landscape, emphasizes the drama of the moment as John points towards the heavens, his words resonating with the attentive listeners. This drawing offers a glimpse into Carracci's creative process and his ability to render human figures and natural elements with great detail and realism.