Saint Luke Holding a Painting of the Virgin and Child

Marcantonio Franceschini made this drawing of Saint Luke holding a painting of the Virgin and Child, using pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on paper. Franceschini’s graphic style is deceptively simple. The sepia tones, achieved through the brown wash, lend a warmth and a sense of depth to the composition. The way he varies the ink application makes the drapery look like it has a life of its own. But look closely, and you'll appreciate the artist's skill in mark-making. Notice how confident and assured the lines are, describing form and shadow with an economy of means. It is a perfect harmony between material, process and subject. This piece reminds us that drawing has always been a fundamental skill for artists, a way to explore ideas and hone their craft before committing to more elaborate and expensive mediums, like painting. By appreciating the artist’s process, we can see the true value and skill in this piece, challenging assumptions of what art can be.