Gezicht op de kust van Pentidatilo aan de overzijde van kaap Spartivento 1778

This watercolor of the coast of Pentidattilo was made by Louis Ducros, and shows the artist’s masterful control over his chosen medium. The washes of pigment are thinly layered, allowing the paper itself to contribute to the image’s overall luminosity. Notice how Ducros uses subtle variations in tone to suggest form and depth, especially in the rendering of the distant mountains. The technique is deceptively simple; the ability to control the flow of water and pigment on paper demands years of practice. Watercolor was a favorite medium of artists in the 18th and 19th centuries, valued for its portability and speed. It was especially suited to landscapes and travel sketches such as this one. The relatively low cost of materials also made watercolor accessible to a wider range of artists, outside the traditional academic system. By valuing process and its skillful execution, we expand our understanding of art beyond conventional hierarchies.