Maria met het kind en de Heilige Anna 1594 - 1615

Giovanni Andrea Ansaldo created Maria met het kind en de Heilige Anna using pen and brown ink, with brown wash, heightened with white, on blue paper. This work isn't just a drawing; it's a demonstration of skill, employing techniques honed through years of practice and an understanding of materials. Look closely, and you will notice that the blue paper serves as a base tone, allowing Ansaldo to build up the image with contrasting brown ink and washes. The white heightening adds highlights and volume, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This wasn’t just about depicting a religious scene; it was about showcasing the artist's mastery of his medium. Such skilled drawings were highly valued, serving as preparatory studies for larger works, or as independent works of art, collected by connoisseurs. The layering of materials and the finesse of the linework tell a story of artistic labour, connecting the artwork to wider social and cultural values. Thinking about materials and making helps us to appreciate the expertise involved, questioning the traditional separation between fine art and craft, and understanding the significance of artistic practice.