Saints Peter and John healing the Sick 1515 - 1540

Parmigianino rendered "Saints Peter and John healing the Sick" in the 16th century using pen and brown ink, with a brown wash, on a sheet of paper. The earth-toned palette comes directly from the materials, the iron content in the ink reacting with the paper over centuries to produce the sepia effect. Parmigianino built up the composition through layers of hatching and cross-hatching, a labor-intensive approach that allowed him to model forms and suggest depth. Note the architecture, framing the healing of the sick. The columns are rendered with particular attention, their cylindrical forms enhanced by the artist’s skillful manipulation of light and shadow. In its time, a drawing like this would have been a functional object, a means of developing ideas for paintings or prints. But it also embodies the artist's virtuosity, his capacity to transform humble materials into a compelling vision. This kind of skill was itself a form of capital, of course, allowing Parmigianino to make his way in the world. Understanding the craft of this drawing allows us to fully appreciate his artistry.