David Declines King Saul’s Weapons 1684

Sebastiano Ricci made this ink and wash drawing depicting David declining King Saul's weapons, using traditional art materials. The material, paper, is humble, and that’s important to note. This wasn't made for display, but was likely a study for a larger painting. It is a quick, efficient way to experiment with composition and light. The thin paper takes the ink and wash fluidly, allowing for the creation of depth and shadow with minimal effort. Notice the economy of line, where Ricci lets the wash do most of the work. The rapid execution suggests a working process rooted in the demands of production, perhaps indicative of the increasing commercialization of art during the 17th and 18th centuries. Ricci, like many artists, had to be prolific to succeed. Ultimately, understanding Ricci’s process and the social context in which he was working helps us appreciate the skill and efficiency evident in this seemingly simple drawing, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.