Moses und Aaron vor dem Pharao c. 1611

David Vinckboons made this drawing, Moses and Aaron before the Pharaoh, using pen and brush with grey wash on paper. Vinckboons employs traditional drawing materials, but the real artistry lies in his manipulation of line and wash to create depth and drama. Look closely, and you'll notice how the varying thickness of lines and the subtle gradations of grey wash define the figures and their garments. See how this meticulous application brings the scene to life, enhancing the texture of the fabrics and the expressions on the characters' faces. Given the complexity of the drawing, its creation would have required a trained hand and considerable time, and it reflects the skilled traditions of draftsmanship prevalent in the 17th century. In this way, drawing was crucial to the division of labor in the art world, with some specializing in preliminary sketches while others focused on the finished paintings. This reminds us that behind every artwork is an infrastructure of labor and expertise.