The Death of Aeschylus 1576 - 1606

Tobias Verhaecht rendered *The Death of Aeschylus* in ink and wash on paper, around the turn of the 17th century. It's a circular drawing, a format called a "tondo" that would have been popular at the time. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the skillful use of line and layering to depict a craggy landscape with a figure perched on a rock, the ill-fated Aeschylus, playwright of ancient Greece. The process of creating such a detailed drawing would have involved careful planning, and considerable labor. The artist would have needed to prepare the paper, mix the inks and washes, and then meticulously apply them to create the desired effect. The circular form would have added another layer of complexity to the composition. Verhaecht's choice of materials is significant, as it reflects both the artistic conventions of his time and his own personal preferences. While oil paint was the dominant medium for large-scale paintings, ink and wash were favored for smaller, more intimate works like this one. By examining the materials and making of this drawing, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's skill, and the cultural context in which he worked.