Studieblad met negen putti 1571 - 1651

This sheet of studies was made by Abraham Bloemaert, likely in the early 17th century, using red chalk on paper. Bloemaert employed a traditional drawing technique, using strokes of varying pressure to model the plump forms of these nine putti. These aren’t highly finished drawings, but rather quick studies – perhaps for a larger painting, or for use in his workshop. Bloemaert ran a large and successful studio, and was known for his innovative teaching methods, emphasizing drawing from life and the close study of anatomy. Drawing with chalk required skill and practice, and artists like Bloemaert often relied on assistants to prepare their materials. Chalk itself is relatively inexpensive, but the time and labor required to transform raw materials into finished drawings would have been considerable. Ultimately, Bloemaert’s drawing reminds us that even seemingly simple artworks are the product of complex social and economic relationships. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this drawing, we can appreciate it in a new and more meaningful way.