San Lorenzo, Library, Ricetto, entablature, elevation profile (recto) San Lorenzo, Library, Ricetto, column, elevation (verso) 1500 - 1560

This drawing of the San Lorenzo library, was made with ink on paper by an anonymous artist. Look closely, and you'll see that the lines are extremely precise. This reflects the technical skill required to produce architectural drawings. Note the texture and weight of the paper, which offers a smooth surface for the ink to adhere to. The making of the artwork would involve knowledge of architectural principles and the application of geometry in the process. This wasn’t just about technical skill, it was about visualizing a building and representing it accurately on paper. Drawings like this one allowed for the construction of a tangible building, with all the social implications that a structure like that would entail, from the labor involved in its construction to the uses to which it would be put. So, next time you look at an architectural drawing, remember that it’s not just a pretty picture, it is a glimpse into the social and material conditions of its creation.