To knælende mænd 1671 - 1738

Hendrik Krock made this drawing, *To knælende mænd*, using sanguine chalk on paper. Sanguine chalk, with its earthy red hue, offered Krock a medium for achieving nuanced tonal gradations. The artist used the chalk to capture the delicate drapery, and the soft modelling of the kneeling men. Chalk is a readily available material, yet in Krock's hands, it transcends its humble origins. Through hatching, cross-hatching, and careful blending, Krock coaxes depth and volume from the flat surface. Drawing was a fundamental skill for artists in the 17th and 18th centuries, serving as both a means of study and preparation for larger-scale works. Krock's mastery is evident not only in his technical proficiency, but also in his ability to convey a sense of movement and emotion with the most economic of means. The drawing isn’t just a preparatory study, but also a demonstration of the artist's virtuosity. Thinking about materials, making, and context encourages us to broaden our definitions of art.