Pyramus and Thisbe 1575 - 1585

This rendition of Pyramus and Thisbe was made with pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, and heightened with white gouache. The choice of materials gives the piece a somber, almost ghostly quality. It is a world of grays, whites, and browns, where definition is created using light and shadow. The artist’s skillful application of washes builds depth, allowing the tragic narrative to unfold in a nocturnal setting. The effect is theatrical. The artist uses readily available materials to create a range of tones, which are layered with impressive control. The monochrome palette also has the effect of focusing the viewer on the drama of the narrative. The artist relies on their command of form and composition to convey the story’s emotional weight, rather than the distraction of color. It suggests a culture in which drawing was a primary means of expression, capable of standing on its own, and carrying significant artistic intent.