Study of Drapery (Probably After the Antique) 1520 - 1540

Domenico Beccafumi made this drawing, Study of Drapery, with red chalk on paper sometime in the early 16th century. The drawing’s subtle variations in tone are achieved through the artist’s control of pressure, and mark-making. These fine marks describe the fall of light and shadow across the folds of fabric. Chalk as a medium allowed artists like Beccafumi to make studies that closely resembled the appearance of life itself. Drawings like this one served as vital preparatory tools for paintings and frescoes. This is because the method of drawing and the use of paper can be seen as an integral part of the artwork. The texture of the paper and the way the chalk interacts with it are essential to the overall aesthetic. Ultimately, the skill lies not just in the artist's hand, but in their deep understanding of materials and processes. This challenges the hierarchy separating the crafts from the fine arts.