Study of figure to "Battle of Cascina" 1505

Michelangelo made this study for "Battle of Cascina" with pen and brown ink, heightened with white, on paper. The drawing is not an end in itself, but a means towards realizing a larger composition. The marks, made with a quill, are quite simple but powerfully descriptive. Michelangelo is not trying to impress us with virtuosity; he is using the paper as a site of exploration. Notice how the medium of ink allows him to create tonal variations with hatching, building up the muscular form. The use of readily available, relatively inexpensive materials speaks to the crucial role of drawing in Renaissance workshops. It allowed for quick ideation and the transmission of ideas. Michelangelo's mastery wasn't just about the finished artwork, it was rooted in countless hours of such study. His understanding of the body was forged in the hand, through the constant refinement of his technique. It is a testament to his deep understanding of materials, process, and form.