God the Father with the Globe 1570 - 1643

Hans Krumpper made this drawing, "God the Father with the Globe", using pen and brown ink with gray wash on paper. It's a preparatory sketch, a tool for planning out a larger artwork. The relatively quick and fluid nature of ink and wash allowed Krumpper to explore the composition, light, and shading efficiently. This method is crucial for understanding the design process of the time, particularly in the creation of sculptures or large-scale paintings. The paper support itself, humble as it is, bears witness to a pivotal stage in the realization of an artwork. The drawing reflects a system of artistic production involving workshops, apprentices, and a division of labor. These drawings acted as a guide for others involved in the realization of the final piece, and, in their own right, are testaments to artistic skill and ingenuity. By examining the materiality and process, we gain insight into the artistic and social contexts in which it was created, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.