c. 1548
Pen, brown ink and black chalk on buff paper, 255 x 204 mm
Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen
This drawing is one of many studies for a series of etchings. A common feature of Heemskerck's narrative drawings is the fact that they depict a dramatic culmination intensified by the stylistic transition from the Italian High Renaissance to the Northern European Mannerist style. Many of the muscular backs, bearded prophet-like figures and voluptuous Sibyls are taken directly from Michelangelo.
