Two Young Page-Boys 1600 - 1650

Bernardino Rodriguez, also known as Bernardino Siciliano, made this drawing of Two Young Page-Boys in the 17th century using pen and brown wash on paper. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke, bringing the scene to life with a raw immediacy. You can almost feel the weight of the lines and the texture of the paper, chosen by the artist for its receptive qualities. The brown wash is applied with such precision and care, which gives the artwork a sense of depth and volume. The drawing is an artifact of its time, reflecting an aesthetic that valued skilled handiwork. It shows the work that was involved in the production process, and reminds us of the labor and creativity that went into creating even the most modest of artworks. Paying attention to the materials and processes that bring an artwork into being enriches our understanding, and challenges assumptions about fine art and craft.