Venus Disguised as a Huntress Appears to Aeneas (Aeneid I: 305 ff.) 1699 - 1768

Stefano Pozzi made this drawing of Venus in the 18th century with chalk on blue paper. The choice of materials is interesting, as it falls between traditional fine art and more accessible modes of production. The blue paper provides a base tone, allowing Pozzi to build up highlights with white chalk and define shadows with darker strokes. The texture of the paper itself influences the appearance of the drawing, adding a subtle graininess to the figures and landscape. This work was created using established techniques but not the high-end materials that were used for painting at the time. The drawing shows a scene from Virgil’s Aeneid, and the amount of work that went into this piece suggests its importance. It's a reminder that art-making often involves skilled labor, regardless of whether the materials are deemed precious.