Psyche Received on Mount Olympus 

Vincenzo Camuccini made this drawing, Psyche Received on Mount Olympus, sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century, using pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on paper. The artist's hand is evident in every delicate stroke, a testament to the skilled traditions he engaged with. The thin graphite lines lend a subtle, silvery sheen to the figures, while the brown ink creates depth and shadow. The wash, applied with a brush, softens the forms and adds a sense of ethereal beauty to the scene. The drawing’s inherent qualities of line, tone, and form create a dynamic composition. Although it's a sketch, it allows us to examine the labor involved in the production process, reflecting broader issues of skill, time, and value. The artist draws on the long tradition of drawing as a medium, and on the cultural capital of classical mythology. Ultimately, this work prompts us to consider the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.