Twisting Nude (recto) 16th-17th century

Ferraù Fenzoni made this drawing of a twisting nude using graphite on paper. The stark contrast between the graphite and the paper emphasizes the figure's contours. The artist uses hatching, a series of parallel lines, to create the illusion of three-dimensionality, a cornerstone of Renaissance art. The choice of graphite on paper speaks to a shift in artistic practice: the relative affordability of these materials democratized art-making, allowing for greater experimentation and accessibility. The artist's skill lies not just in their ability to represent the human form, but in the efficiency and expressiveness of their technique. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to appreciate the labor and skill involved in its creation. It blurs the lines between the fine arts and the more accessible craft of drawing.