A Young Man with a Staff c. 1765

Giovanni Battista Piranesi made this drawing of A Young Man with a Staff with pen and brown ink on laid paper. It exemplifies the immediacy of ink as a medium, capable of capturing the dynamic pose of the figure with speed and fluidity. Piranesi’s method emphasizes line to define form, using hatching and cross-hatching to build up tone and volume, and the fibrous texture of the paper peeks through the ink, adding depth to the composition. The rapid, expressive strokes suggest the artist's engagement with the subject, reflecting the tradition of ‘alla prima’ which values spontaneity and directness. While seemingly simple, this drawing required technical skill and understanding of anatomy and perspective. Piranesi was trained in architecture, stage design, and printmaking, and this diversity is reflected in his work through his dramatic compositions and mastery of line. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to appreciate the artist’s dexterity, demonstrating how through careful observation and masterful execution, a simple medium can capture a wealth of expression.