In Like Manner Shall He Descend 1761 - 1831

Mather Brown created this drawing, titled "In Like Manner Shall He Descend", using pen and brown ink, over graphite, on off-white laid paper. The immediacy of the sketch emphasizes the labor involved in its creation. Note how the ink creates definitive lines, giving weight to the figure and its setting. Brown uses the pen to define the figure through hatching and cross-hatching, thus, adding to the depth and shadow of the figure. The swift execution suggests Brown's training, and highlights the labor involved in capturing a fleeting moment of inspiration. The visible process adds a sense of authenticity, reminding us of the artist's hand and the cultural significance of the subject depicted. Paying attention to the materials and making of this artwork enriches our understanding of its cultural and artistic value, challenging distinctions between art and craft, and prompting reflection on the social and cultural contexts of artistic creation.