Cleopatra bitten by the asp 

Guercino rendered 'Cleopatra bitten by the asp' using red chalk, a medium celebrated for its expressive qualities. The inherent nature of chalk lends itself to the softness of Guercino's lines, creating subtle gradations of tone that model Cleopatra’s form. The chalk allows the artist to achieve a delicate balance between detail and suggestion, crucial for capturing the vulnerability of the moment. The red hue infuses the scene with a palpable sense of warmth, suggestive of the queen's vitality even as she approaches her end. Historically, the accessibility of chalk meant it was often used for preparatory sketches or studies, allowing artists to explore compositions and refine their ideas. In this context, the drawing serves as a testament to the value of material and making in the broader art historical narrative, and challenges preconceived notions about artistic practices.