Christ Stripped of His Garments

Art Historical Context

This evocative drawing by Lorenzo Garbieri captures a poignant moment from the Passion of Christ, when the Savior is stripped of his garments before the Crucifixion. Created with pen and brown ink, brush and wash, black chalk, and lead white highlights on tan paper, the work conveys both physical vulnerability and spiritual intensity through its layered techniques. The combination of fluid washes and delicate white heightening creates dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, allowing viewers to sense the emotional weight of the scene even in this preparatory format. Measuring 35.8 by 45.3 centimeters, the drawing exemplifies the expressive potential of mixed-media studies on paper. Such works often served as compositional explorations for larger paintings, enabling artists to refine gestures, drapery, and lighting effects before committing to canvas or fresco. Garbieri’s careful application of wash and chalk suggests a focus on movement and texture, inviting contemplation of both the human and divine aspects of the biblical narrative. Now housed in the Prints and Drawings department at the Art Institute of Chicago, this piece offers modern audiences an intimate glimpse into the creative process behind religious art. Its preservation highlights the enduring cultural importance of devotional imagery and the skilled draftsmanship that supported it.