A Horse Lying on its Side 1620s

This drawing of a horse lying on its side was made by Sinibaldo Scorza, sometime in the early 17th century, using pen and brown ink on paper. Scorza favored the intimacy and immediacy of drawing, and here the strokes of his pen are clearly visible, defining the horse's form with remarkable economy. Notice how the ink's fluidity allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating depth and volume with minimal means. Horses, of course, have long been associated with labor, status, and power. Scorza was a master of capturing animal anatomy and behavior. But he was also caught up in the politics of his time, even being forced into exile for his political affiliations. His artworks were often miniature in scale, like this one. Recognizing the craft of drawing, with its reliance on skill and precision, reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the product of careful labor, reflecting the social and political context in which they were created. By paying attention to materials, making, and context, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of even the humblest artwork.