Penance

Jean Dughet, after Nicolas Poussin

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a classical banquet scene. The scene shows a group of figures reclining on couches around a table in an ancient architectural setting. Elaborate Corinthian columns frame the scene, which opens up to a balustraded area overlooking a scenic view with trees and cloudy skies in the background. Various dishes and vessels are on the table, and some characters are serving food or raising goblets. The detailed line work and shading give depth to the figures and architecture, conveying a sense of opulence and historical significance.