The Palazzo dei Priori, Volterra 1835

David Roberts made this drawing of the Palazzo dei Priori in Volterra in 1855 using graphite on paper. We immediately notice the qualities of the materials, especially the smooth surface of the paper, which allows for capturing fine details. Roberts' technique here emphasizes the architectural forms of the Palazzo, as well as the activities of the figures within it. The use of graphite allows for detailed representation, creating a tangible sense of space. The controlled lines and tonal variation give the drawing a photographic quality. This wasn't mass production; the drawing represents an individual artist's focused effort to capture a specific moment. It's interesting to note that, while Roberts was evidently interested in this site, he would also have been aware of the Palazzo dei Priori’s place in a much longer history of Italian craftsmanship and building. This drawing is not just a depiction of a building; it’s a record of a place, a time, and a way of seeing. It reminds us that art is always connected to its historical and social context.