Maria ten Hemelopneming 1542 - 1577

Orazio Samacchini made this drawing, Maria ten Hemelopneming, sometime in the 16th century, using pen and brown ink on paper. The qualities of the brown ink, applied with a relatively fine pen, allows for the creation of expressive line work which is crucial for the composition and imagery of this artwork. Pen and ink drawings were often preliminary studies for paintings, and the medium allowed for careful refinement and adjustment before committing to the final composition. The social significance lies in the ability to reproduce and disseminate images, playing a role in spreading religious iconography during the Renaissance. The choice of materials and techniques emphasizes the importance of drawing as a fundamental skill for artists, serving as a means of exploration and communication of ideas, which were not considered separate from the fine arts at the time.