The Sacrifice of Iphigenia 1664 - 1691

This small drawing, ‘The Sacrifice of Iphigenia’, was made by Gerard de Lairesse in the late 17th century using pen and brown ink on paper. The choice of a drawing medium, in particular, imbues the artwork with a raw and immediate quality. De Lairesse uses the inherent qualities of ink – its fluidity and capacity for fine detail – to bring the scene to life, with visible layered hatching and cross-hatching building up areas of shade, to delineate forms. The texture of the paper also plays a crucial role, its slight graininess softening the lines and adding depth to the composition. In terms of technique, the drawing reflects a mastery of line work and tonal variation. The artist’s hand is evident in every stroke, revealing the directness and intimacy inherent in the drawing process. Pen and ink drawings were often preliminary studies, relatively quick to produce in comparison to paintings, and were useful for circulating ideas throughout workshops. This artwork blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in what might otherwise be seen as a preparatory sketch.