Abraham Entertaining the Three Angels (Genesis 18:1-15) (recto); A Couple Embracing, and Other (verso) 1710 - 1780

This drawing by Francesco Lamarra, made around the mid-18th century, is a study in pen and brown ink, on off-white paper. The material itself – humble paper, inscribed with practiced strokes – speaks volumes. It is not the kind of surface one would associate with the completion of a high commission. Instead, the artist has captured an intimate and immediate connection with the subject. The rapidly executed lines give us a glimpse into the story, where Abraham welcomes three angels as guests. Note the repetition of motifs and forms, as Lamarra blocks out the composition. The angel wings are sketched quickly, and the draping of the robes is a flurry of lines. The image is made from a series of provisional marks, which speak to the amount of labor and artistry that goes into the making of a painting. While the finished painting, as a commodity, may represent wealth or status, it also hides the intensive preparation that goes into it. Ultimately, by emphasizing the vital role of materials, making, and context, we challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, gaining a richer, more nuanced appreciation for the layers of meaning embedded within.