Allegorische vrouwenfiguur, in triomfwagen 1778

Johannes van Dregt made this drawing, “Allegorical Female Figure in a Triumphant Chariot,” in 1778, using pen and ink on paper. The linear precision speaks to the labor involved in draftsmanship. Consider the way that the marks build up to create volume and depth, requiring immense control and skill to achieve a sense of dynamism. The female figure and the fantastical animal pulling the chariot, are rendered with a deliberate hand, each line carefully placed to define form and texture. It's an exercise of a practiced hand and eye, one that reflects the period's investment in technical mastery. In its time, this type of drawing was relatively accessible. But the time and care required reflects the broader context of artistic production, with a significant amount of work involved in its creation, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.