Procession (left-hand portion of border below Sacrifice of Isaac, inlaid-marble pavement, Siena Cathedral) 1520 - 1550

Editor: This is Domenico Beccafumi's "Procession," a drawing from the first half of the 16th century, meant to be part of a pavement design. The cross-hatching gives it an incredible sense of depth. What do you make of this, given its intended location on the floor? Curator: Knowing that this was meant for the floor of the Siena Cathedral fundamentally changes the reading. The trampling underfoot isn't just about the eventual reception, it starts with the physical labor, the grinding and setting of marble to depict this scene, which speaks to its themes of power and sacrifice. Who's labor went into this? What's the marble source? Editor: That's a fascinating way to look at it – almost turning the act of viewing into another layer of… well, using the work! How does this relate to the Renaissance focus on artistry, then? Curator: The Renaissance prioritized the artist as individual genius, sure, but this overlooks the highly skilled and often anonymous labor of the workshop. The artist had to procure the marble and train a workshop to execute these drawings into durable forms underfoot. Marble intarsia work demanded collaborative skill and resource access to have any chance of making it real, challenging notions of sole authorship. Editor: So, thinking about the raw materials, the labor involved... do you think Beccafumi intended this tension, this contrast between the grand narrative and the physical act of its creation? Curator: Intention is always a tricky thing, but I’d argue the material realities of the process inherently embed a commentary on value: artistic, economic, even spiritual. It's hard to miss that point of how wealth, authority and artistry all become synthesized into the act of creating something durable for ritual in that cathedral. Editor: This has completely changed how I see the drawing. Thanks for walking me through this! Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully, it shows how the study of materials and modes of production offers such vital insights into a piece!