Sketch for a Baptism of Christ 

This pen and brown wash drawing by Palma il Giovane, a prominent Venetian artist of the late Renaissance, is a preparatory sketch for a larger composition depicting the Baptism of Christ. The sketch captures a moment of intense drama as John the Baptist, standing on a rocky outcrop, pours water over the head of Christ, who stands below, his hands clasped in prayer. The artist's use of expressive lines and subtle shading reveals his skilled draftsmanship and his ability to convey both movement and emotion. This preparatory drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's creative process and the development of his final composition, highlighting the intricate details and the dynamism of his artistic vision.