Scene from the parable of the marriage feast (Matthew 22:11-14; The king denouncing the man who was not wearing a wedding robe) 1500 - 1600

This drawing of a scene from the parable of the wedding feast, is made with pen and brown ink on paper by an anonymous artist. The artist has used hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and volume. The pen and ink technique allows for a high level of detail, evident in the intricate rendering of the figures, their garments, and the architectural setting. What's especially interesting is how this technique relates to the subject of the artwork. The parable is from the Gospel of Matthew, about a king who throws a wedding feast for his son. When he finds a guest not wearing a wedding robe, the king has him cast out. This is a social drama that makes visible the rules and hierarchies of the kingdom. The pen and ink medium can be seen as a tool of inscription, akin to the way that the laws of a kingdom are written down and enforced. The artist's skilled hand and controlled technique emphasize the hierarchical aspect of the scene. It’s a reminder that materials and making processes are never neutral; they always carry cultural and social meanings that contribute to the artwork's overall message.