An Artist Seated at His Easel [recto] c. 1634

Andries Both made this drawing, "An Artist Seated at His Easel," sometime in the first half of the 17th century, using pen and brown ink on paper. The medium itself influences the appearance of the work. The ink, fluid and quick-drying, allows for a spontaneity of line, capturing the scene with an immediacy that suggests a fleeting moment observed. Both's approach is economical. He uses the pen to define form and space, creating a sense of depth and volume with hatching and cross-hatching. The thinness of the ink allows the paper to show through, creating an airy, atmospheric quality. It's worth noting that drawing was a fundamental skill for artists of this period. It was the foundation of painting, sculpture, and even architecture. A drawing like this would have been a way for Both to practice his skills, to study the world around him, and to develop ideas for larger, more elaborate compositions. Looking at how artists work and the tools they use can offer fresh perspectives on art history. It challenges the idea that art is only about the finished product, and encourages us to appreciate the skill and labor that goes into the making of art.