The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Augustin Hirschvogel

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a group of people kneeling in prayer with flames above their heads and a dove emanating light appearing above them. The room is rectangular with a tile floor, a plain wall in the background, and beams on the ceiling. At the top center of the drawing, there is a depiction of a dove surrounded by radiant light with beams extending outwards. The figures are arranged symmetrically, kneeling in rows on either side and looking up towards the bird. The style is characterized by detailed line work and hatching. Below the scene, there is an inscription in an old script.