Martelaarschap van de heilige Ursula en de elfduizend maagden c. 1550

This drawing of the martyrdom of Saint Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins was made by an anonymous artist using pen and brown ink, with brown wash. The monochromatic palette focuses our attention on the line work, so fundamental to drawing. Lines define the composition, creating depth and a sense of movement throughout the image. The artist’s technique, layering line upon line, built up the dramatic scene before us. The repeated lines create a sense of dynamism, with countless figures caught in violent motion. The image's social significance lies in its narrative. Ursula's story, with its themes of faith and sacrifice, was very popular in the late Middle Ages. The sheer amount of work involved in the production of this drawing is quite impressive. This reflects the value placed on the story and the devotion of the artist. Understanding the materials and processes involved brings us closer to the world and beliefs of the artist and the original audience. This challenges the distinctions between mere illustration and fine art.