Woman Lighting a Sacrificial Fire 1660 - 1736

"Woman Lighting a Sacrificial Fire" is a black chalk drawing by Claude Guy Hallé, a French artist known for his work in the Baroque style. The artwork depicts a woman in a flowing gown, seated and reaching towards a small, burning fire on a pedestal. The woman's pose and the dramatic lighting create a sense of solemnity and ritual, likely referencing a scene from classical mythology or the Bible. The drawing is a preparatory study for a larger painting, showcasing Hallé's mastery of figure drawing and composition. This work, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, offers insight into the creative process of an influential Baroque artist.