Sacrifice

Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

There is a drawing of a group surrounding an altar with a sacrificial scene. Figures are gathered around a raised altar with a relief carving. One figure is guiding an animal towards the altar. The environment has rough, dark strokes, with a stylized tree to the right. Figures are wearing classical or draped garments. The use of shading and line work creates an atmosphere of intrigue and solemnity.