Extreme Unction

Jean Dughet, after Nicolas Poussin

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an interior scene with several figures interacting around a central figure on a bed. The room is depicted with strong linear perspective, showing a ceiling supported by beams and a tiled floor. The figures are engaged in various activities, such as some bringing cups and others appearing to perform a ritual or task related to the central figure on the bed who seems to be the focus of attention. The expressions and gestures of the figures indicate a sense of somberness and urgency. The detailed hatching and cross-hatching create a play of light and shadow, enhancing the depth and realism of the scene. The drawing conveys a narrative element through the arrangement and interaction of the figures within this architectural setting.