Italian Landscape with Fortifications and a Waterfall c. mid 1660s

Gaspard Dughet created this Italian landscape drawing in the 17th century, using black chalk on blue paper. The choice of materials here is significant. Chalk is easily manipulated, allowing for quick, expressive lines and tonal variations. The blue paper provides a mid-tone, enhancing the contrast and depth of the composition. Dughet’s technique involves layering and blending the chalk to create a sense of atmosphere and texture, particularly in the foliage and cascading water. Historically, chalk drawings were often preliminary studies for larger paintings, or independent works of art meant for collectors. In either case, this wasn’t necessarily considered high labor, compared to fresco or oil painting. The ease of the medium lent itself to a kind of casual consumption. So, by considering the materiality and process behind Dughet's landscape, we gain a richer understanding of its artistic and social context. This allows us to look beyond its aesthetic appeal, and consider how it fits into the broader landscape of artistic production.