San Lorenzo, Library, window, elevation (recto) San Lorenzo, Library, window, cornice, section; cornice, section (verso) 1500 - 1560

This drawing of a window elevation and cornice sections from the San Lorenzo Library was made with pen and brown ink on paper by an anonymous artist. It’s not exactly an artwork in the traditional sense, but a technical drawing, an architectural plan for constructing a physical structure. Look closely and you’ll see the precision of the lines, each carefully measured to describe the dimensions of the window and its components. It's a record of creative decision-making; a confluence of artistic vision and technical expertise. The making of such a drawing involves not just the skill of the hand, but also a deep understanding of materials like stone and wood. What is the relationship between modes of production and the artist who makes them? It challenges our understanding of the role of the artist, and highlights the interconnectedness of art, design, and the built environment. In understanding the context of this artwork, the viewer challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.