Figures Deciphering an Inscription, with Two Women Seated [Study for Oeuvres de Bossuet, IV]

Giovanni Battista Piazzetta

National Gallery of Art

There is a sketch of five figures, each depicted with their entire bodies shown. The figure on the far left appears to be bending forward, wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Adjacent to this figure, another person leans over with crossed arms. In the center foreground, a kneeling figure leans on their left arm. To the right, a seated figure faces away with hair in a bun, and behind them is another seated figure. The figures wear loose clothing, and pencil strokes suggest folds in the fabric. The background is plain with a slightly textured surface.