Hemelvaart van Maria c. 1505 - 1562

This drawing of the Assumption of Mary was made by Jan van Scorel using pen and brown ink with a grey wash. At first glance, the technique seems straightforward. Yet, it is anything but. The artist coaxes a full range of tonal values from earth pigments, using diluted washes to describe form and shadow. This would have required a deep knowledge of the materials and the ways they interact with paper. Van Scorel has rendered a three-dimensional scene using only line and wash. This reflects the cultural significance of drawing as an intellectual pursuit during the Renaissance. It was a fundamental skill for artists, architects, and engineers. The mastery with which it was executed imbued the work with cultural and artistic value. This challenges distinctions between preparatory sketches and finished works. It asks us to recognize the labor and skill inherent in the making.