The Last Communion of St. Mary Magdalen, after Benedetto Luti

Louis Jean Jacques Durameau made this drawing, “The Last Communion of St. Mary Magdalen, after Benedetto Luti,” using red chalk on laid paper. Chalk is interesting. It’s a very direct medium; the artist simply takes the material in hand, and applies it to the surface. In this case, the red chalk lends the drawing a warmth that amplifies the scene’s emotional intensity. The hatching and cross-hatching, achieved through the repetitive application of the chalk, create a sense of depth, light and shadow. The method allows for a remarkable level of detail, even with a relatively simple material. The paper support is also important. Laid paper, with its textured surface of closely spaced lines, would have subtly influenced the way the chalk was deposited, adding another layer of complexity to the final image. Note the amount of work involved; it is this labor of love that elevates the drawing, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.