Descent into Limbo

Workshop of Andrea Mantegna

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an archway with various figures. The drawing depicts a composition, featuring a large archway carved into a rocky cliff facade. In the foreground, a central robed figure steps over a fallen door or platform. Surrounding this figure are other nude figures in various poses. Above the arch, two fantastical, winged creatures play trumpets. On the right, another creature with a serpent-like tail and leafy appendages observes the scene from atop the rocky surface. The composition showcases a play of light and shadow with intricate line work, detail, texture, and expression.