Study for an Altar with a Figure on a Raised Socle at Left; verso: Study for an Altar with a Figure of an Angel or Saint 1700 - 1770

Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer made this drawing, "Study for an Altar," using pen and brown ink on paper. The choice of such immediate, relatively inexpensive materials speaks to the drawing’s function as a design study. The altar is depicted with great precision; the various components are delineated in careful detail. The ink conveys an architectural presence through its thin, yet purposeful lines, describing the three-dimensional nature of the altar, which would have most likely been made from carved wood or stone. Feuchtmayer demonstrates a high level of skill in manipulating these simple materials, resulting in a complex composition. This drawing suggests a moment in the workshop when ideas are being developed. Feuchtmayer’s work reflects a world where the creation of sacred objects involved the coordination of designers and skilled artisans, pointing to a complex social and economic context. The drawing stands as a testament to the often unseen labor behind these objects. Ultimately, by looking closely at the materials and processes involved in this study, we gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural context in which it was created.