Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus c. 1637 - 1638

This is a pen and ink drawing of Tomyris with the Head of Cyrus, by Peter Paul Rubens. The initial impression is of freehand and loose sketchwork, giving an immediate insight into the artist’s process. The quick and expressive linework shows the artist experimenting with composition and form. Light and shadow is created through hatching, the application of fine parallel lines, bringing depth and volume to the figures. The paper's surface also plays a crucial role, its texture interacting with the ink to create subtle variations in tone and line quality. Drawing was a fundamental skill for artists like Rubens, serving as a foundation for larger paintings and as a means of exploring ideas. This piece is interesting as it is not necessarily intended for public consumption. We could see the material and process of Rubens' work to be a valuable way of documenting his thoughts and experiments at the time. By understanding the artist’s materials, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and intention behind the work, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on subject matter alone.