Holy Family with St John the Baptist and St Elisabeth c. 1654 - 1658

Cornelis Visscher created this drawing of the Holy Family, with St John the Baptist and St Elisabeth, using pen and brush in grey ink, with grey wash and white body colour. Visscher was a master of tonal range. He coaxed endless subtle shades from his materials. You’ll notice how he renders the forms with amazing detail and precision, using the bare minimum of means. It is a technique rooted in the traditions of etching and engraving, which Visscher also practiced, where clarity of line is everything. Here, though, the effect is atmospheric and soft. The application of the grey wash adds depth and volume, while the white body colour, or pigment, highlights certain areas and creates a sense of light and shadow. The overall effect is one of serene beauty and elegance, reflecting both Visscher's skill and the cultural values of his time. Ultimately, this piece reminds us that art history is also the history of material transformation. It encourages us to look closely at the means of production, and to appreciate the labor and ingenuity that went into the making of an artwork.