Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist and Angels n.d.

Lubin Baugin sketched this Holy Family drawing with pen and brown ink on paper, sometime in the 17th century. The relatively simple materials belie the skill needed to produce this delicate composition. Notice how Baugin uses the pen to create a range of values, from the darkest shadows to the lightest highlights. The density of the lines define the forms of the figures, imbuing them with volume and weight. Drawings like this one were not only a way for artists to explore ideas, but also a vital means of production in 17th-century workshops. They were often made in multiples, and sold to collectors or used as models for larger paintings. They allowed for the efficient division of labor, with some artists specializing in drawing and others in painting, reflecting the burgeoning market for art in this period. Considering the humble materials and the historical context of artistic production, we can appreciate the artistic labor involved and challenge traditional notions of artistic genius.