Design for a Wall Tomb 1590 - 1610

Avanzino Nucci rendered this Design for a Wall Tomb in pen and brown ink, heightened with white gouache over a preparation in black chalk, around the late 16th or early 17th century. The use of pen and ink, combined with gouache, emphasizes the monument's intended form and function. Each carefully drawn line and application of gouache communicates the texture and three-dimensionality of the tomb, with the cherubic figures seeming ready to come to life. Nucci's skilled hand transforms ordinary materials into a vision of an elaborate tomb, reflecting the culture's values and status. The process of creating such a detailed design was labor-intensive, showcasing the craftsmanship valued during the period. By engaging with skilled traditions of drawing, Nucci elevates the design, blurring the lines between fine art and craft. This reflects a deeper connection to the materials and making, which are essential to understanding the artwork's cultural and social significance.