Triumphs of Julius Caesar: Canvas No. VII c. 18th century

Andrea Mantegna created this canvas in the 15th century, using traditional drawing materials - ink and brush on canvas. The scene depicts a triumphal procession, seemingly referencing Roman antiquity. But it's the method of production that I find most striking. Notice how Mantegna meticulously built up form using delicate cross-hatching. This wasn't just a quick sketch; it was a labor-intensive process. Mantegna was celebrated in his time as a master of perspective and illusionism. He used these skills to create an image with a palpable sense of depth and volume. The figures almost seem to leap off the canvas, much like a sculpture. In its time, art production relied on the skilled hands of artisans. Mantegna's drawing represents a significant investment of time and labor, challenging any simplistic separation between art and craft.