Thanksgiving, for the Acquittal of Susanna (Daniel 13:63) 1553 - 1628

This drawing, "Thanksgiving, for the Acquittal of Susanna," was made by Baldassare Croce sometime between 1570 and 1628 using pen and brown ink, with brown wash and white gouache over black chalk on paper. The choice of materials here is critical. Paper, ink, and chalk are relatively humble, inexpensive media, accessible to a wide range of artists. Yet, Croce coaxes remarkable effects from them. The brown ink and wash create depth and shadow, while the white gouache highlights key figures and architectural details. The use of line, in particular, is striking. Notice how Croce uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up volume and texture, giving the figures a sense of weight and presence. Croce's skilled manipulation of these everyday materials elevates the drawing beyond a mere sketch. This connects it to a broader tradition in which the artistry lies not just in the subject matter, but in the transformative act of creation. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can more fully appreciate the artist's skill and the cultural significance of the work.