Ein Apostel mit einem Kreuz 

Andrea Solario made this drawing of an apostle with a cross using pen and brown ink, likely in the late 15th or early 16th century. The drawing’s fine lines and delicate shading give the figure a sense of depth and volume, especially visible in the folds of the robe. Solario would have used a quill, meticulously applying the ink to create these intricate details. The cross held by the apostle, though simply rendered, is central to the work’s narrative. Drawing was a fundamental skill for artists of this period, serving as a means of study, preparation for larger works, and artistic expression in its own right. Consider the labor involved in producing the ink, preparing the parchment, and executing the drawing itself; each step required skill and time. By focusing on the materials and processes involved, we can better appreciate the artist's skill and the cultural values placed on craftsmanship during the Renaissance, bridging the gap between art and the skilled trades.