Saint Paul c. 17th century

Editor: Here we see Eustache Le Sueur’s "Saint Paul", a drawing held at the Harvard Art Museums. The materiality of the paper and the chalk-like quality of the drawing give it a sort of ephemeral quality. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Notice the lack of sharp lines, it feels more like an industrial blueprint than a divine artwork. Consider the raw materials, the paper pulp, the graphite. It's a look into the workshop. Where was this paper made? What was the social status of the artist? These are things to consider. Editor: That's a fresh perspective. I hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks! Curator: Of course! Always good to remember that art doesn't spring from nowhere. It's made.