Verschillende schetsen c. 1719 - 1769

This drawing, Verschillende schetsen, was made by Francesco Fontebasso, sometime in the 18th century, using pen and brown ink, with brush in brown and grey ink, on paper. The sheet presents a series of rapidly executed sketches. Fontebasso uses a stark contrast between light and shadow to create depth and dynamism. The composition is fragmented, with sketches arranged almost haphazardly across the page, yet each section pulses with energy. The rapid, loose linework suggests an exploration of form and movement. Note how Fontebasso’s sketches of figures and landscapes appear as fleeting impressions, capturing the essence of a scene rather than a detailed depiction. This approach aligns with the broader artistic shifts towards more expressive, less rigidly formal styles. The unfinished quality of the work invites us to consider the creative process itself, where ideas are tested, discarded, and refined. Ultimately, this work destabilizes the traditional notion of the finished drawing, emphasizing the fluidity and evolution inherent in artistic creation.