Brustbild eines Bauern mit Hut 

Bartolomeo Gennari rendered this portrait of a farmer with hat using pen and brown ink on paper. This work stands as a testament to the artist's skillful manipulation of the pen, transforming simple ink on paper into a captivating character study. Notice how Gennari used varied line weights, from delicate strokes defining the farmer’s facial features, to the denser hatching that describes the folds of his hat. The choice of brown ink lends a warmth and earthiness, echoing the farmer's connection to the land. This wasn't just a neutral act of observation, but a conscious rendering of a social class, using the most basic of materials. Gennari elevates the common subject through his artistry, while hinting at the dignity of labor. In doing so, he elevates a simple sketch beyond the traditional hierarchies of art.