St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata 1611 - 1678

Antonio de Pereda created this drawing, "St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata," using pen and brown ink, with washes of gray and brown, on paper. The rapid strokes capture the scene's drama, yet the monochrome palette mutes the spiritual intensity. The artist’s hand is evident in the layered washes and the precise lines defining the figures and ethereal forms. Pereda skillfully manipulates the ink's viscosity to convey a range of textures, from the solidity of the saint's robes to the vaporous clouds. Drawing was a cornerstone of artistic training and production. The use of brown ink allowed for the precise detailing necessary to convey the theological significance of the moment. This would have been produced within a studio setting, demanding a high level of skill. This drawing challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, where the artist’s skill and process are equally vital to the work’s meaning, elevating the status of craft alongside fine art.