Sketches of Men, Horses, and Decorative Design 1596 - 1598

Pietro Sorri created this drawing of men, horses, and decorative designs with pen and brown ink, and traces of red chalk, sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The rapid lines, hatched shading, and dynamic movement would have required great confidence and skill. Sorri uses a traditional medium – paper and ink – to capture a flurry of ideas. The pen strokes vary in thickness and pressure, building up layers of detail to describe the figures and their attributes. Red chalk adds depth, volume, and warmth to the composition. This kind of draftsmanship was central to the organization of early modern workshops. A master like Sorri would have produced many such sheets, in preparation for larger paintings and frescoes. They would also have served as a vital resource for other artists in the studio. Considering the materials, making, and social context of artworks like this helps us to see the full picture, beyond conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.