The Virgin Entrusting the Christ Child to Saint Francis of Assisi 1689 - 1767

Gaspare Diziani made this sketch of the Virgin Mary entrusting the Christ Child to Saint Francis of Assisi in the 1700s using pen and brown ink with wash, over black chalk on paper. The choice of readily available materials, like paper, ink and chalk, speaks volumes about the artist's intention to capture a fleeting idea. The sketch is imbued with a sense of immediacy, as if Diziani wanted to translate his vision onto paper as quickly as possible. The monochrome palette also focuses attention on the interplay of light and shadow, which imbues the figures with volume and depth. The artist's skilled hand is evident in the confident strokes of the pen and the subtle gradations of the wash. Diziani's draftsmanship is on full display, creating a sense of drama and spirituality. The sketch is a reminder that art-making is about more than just the finished product; it's also about the process of exploration and discovery.