Kruisiging met vier figuren c. 1450 - 1474

This drawing of the Crucifixion with four figures was made by Giovanni Badile, using pen and brown ink on paper. The artist made use of hatching strokes to build up shading and volume, giving the image an immediacy, as though we are watching Badile as he works through this composition. With very economical means, he has imparted a great sense of emotion. The brown ink contributes to the overall impact of the image. We can see the traces of Badile’s hand, his skill and labor clearly on display. It is a type of drawing that might have been made in preparation for a larger painting, where the composition, poses, and tonalities of the design were tested. The scale is also an important clue: this is clearly a portable work, meant to be studied and shared among the members of a workshop. Ultimately, understanding the material and the making helps us to appreciate this drawing not just for its artistic qualities, but as an intimate record of an artist's creative process.