Education of Marie de Medicis 18th century

Nicolas Pierre Loir made "Education of Marie de Medicis" with pen and brown ink, and brown wash on paper, sometime in the 17th century. This artwork is a sketch; the making-of an artwork, rather than the final product. Loir’s use of line emphasizes the subject and provides a sense of depth, as it prepares for future stages of artmaking. The sketch is valued for its demonstration of the artist's skill, in an academic setting, and is also significant in thinking through the social dimensions of art production. Consider the labor required to create the artwork, from gathering raw materials to applying layers of ink and wash. This sketch offers a glimpse into the artist's creative process and invites us to consider the wider systems of labor, patronage, and consumption that shaped its production. By recognizing the role of making and context in understanding the artwork, we can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and appreciate the rich tapestry of human creativity.