The Annunciation 1600 - 1700

Editor: Here we have "The Annunciation," a drawing from between 1600 and 1700, author is unknown, and employs pen, watercolors, and toned paper. It has such a delicate, ethereal feel, even though the lines are quite defined. What strikes you about this work? Curator: Well, first, look closely at that grid underneath the drawing. It points to this piece as a study, a preparation perhaps for a larger painting. Think about the economics of art production then. Toned paper was a relatively inexpensive ground. Pen and watercolor allowed for quick iterations. This was a workshop object, meant to facilitate efficient artistic labor. Editor: So, less about inspiration and more about...manufacture? Curator: Precisely! And consider the narrative. The Annunciation was a popular subject, meaning workshops could reproduce familiar compositions. But even within this sacred scene, materiality matters. Are those the best watercolors? Is the toned paper of the highest grade? No. This was a tool. A means to an end, driving commerce and artistic development, all filtered through the making and consumption of religious icons. Editor: That's a really interesting way of looking at it. I hadn't considered how the cost of materials would impact the artwork itself. Curator: It changes everything, doesn’t it? Now when we view art from this period, we can also consider what kind of paper, pigment and skill informed its creation. Editor: I'll definitely keep that in mind moving forward! Thank you!