Gods on Olympus n.d.

François Verdier rendered *Gods on Olympus* in pen and brown ink, with gray wash, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It depicts a bustling scene of classical deities amid the clouds. What I find particularly compelling here is the relationship between the artist's hand, the tools, and the final image. The pen and ink allowed Verdier to create sharp lines, while the gray wash added depth and volume to the figures, capturing their forms and conveying the ethereal atmosphere of Mount Olympus. Look closely, and you can trace the artist's process. Every stroke reveals Verdier's mastery, honed through years of practice. This drawing exemplifies the skilled labor involved in creating art, and the way in which the material qualities of ink and wash can be manipulated to achieve striking visual effects. It’s a reminder that every artwork is the result of material choices, skilled techniques, and countless hours of dedicated practice.