Gothic Vault [verso] c. 1440

Parri Spinelli made this drawing of a Gothic vault sometime in the early 15th century, using pen and brown ink on paper. It's a quick study, really, a fleeting sketch made to capture the structural logic of this architectural feature. Think about the paper itself, likely made from linen rags, pulped and pressed in a mold. Pen and ink are humble, portable materials, perfect for an artist on the go. Spinelli is using them here to investigate the soaring heights and complex geometries of Gothic architecture. Notice how the hatching and cross-hatching of the pen strokes create a sense of depth and volume. The linear quality emphasizes the lines of force and weight distribution within the vault. The drawing isn't just a record of what Spinelli saw; it's an active engagement with the principles of design and construction. By understanding the material basis of this drawing, and the architectural structure it depicts, we gain insight into the shared concerns of artists and builders in the Renaissance.