Falsehood Is the Cause of All Evil (recto); An Allegory of Truth and Falsehood (verso)

This drawing, "Falsehood Is the Cause of All Evil," by Fortunato Duranti, is made on a sheet of paper using pen and ink. Duranti’s technique is immediately apparent. The lines are quick, spontaneous, with a web of marks delineating figures and forms. The very immediacy of the drawing implies something about its social context. This wasn't an artwork commissioned for posterity. Instead, it was a rapid, forceful, and politically charged statement. The artist has chosen the most immediate and portable media available to him. Paper and ink were relatively inexpensive, and a drawing like this could be circulated among like-minded individuals. Note the lack of precise detail. This suggests the artist was working quickly. He was prioritizing the raw expression of an idea over the labor-intensive pursuit of perfection. In essence, Duranti has harnessed the accessibility of his chosen materials to amplify the impact of his message. It is a reminder that art doesn't always need to be monumental to be meaningful.