Bust of a Man in a Hat Gazing Upward 1473 - 1493

Martin Schongauer created this 'Bust of a Man in a Hat Gazing Upward' with pen and brown ink on paper. Notice how the very controlled and repetitive action of applying lines of ink with a quill gives rise to both the detail and the overall form. Think about Schongauer, carefully layering strokes to build up the density of shadows, defining the contours of the man's face, the folds of his hat, and the plush texture of his fur collar. This highly skilled and time-intensive work shows how traditional techniques can render a portrait with a tangible presence. The very act of creating the work imbues it with social significance. Pen and ink drawings like this were often preparatory studies for engravings, a printmaking technique that allowed for the mass production of images. This artwork serves as a reminder of the skilled labor involved in both art and craft, blurring the lines between the two, which allows for a more complete and nuanced understanding.