Virgin and Child with Saints Catherine, John the Evangelist, and Francis 

Ludovico Carracci created this drawing, "Virgin and Child with Saints Catherine, John the Evangelist, and Francis", using pen and brown ink, with brown wash and white heightening on paper. The linear quality comes from the use of a quill. Note how the brown wash is applied in broad strokes to create areas of shadow and depth, particularly in the figures' drapery and the background elements. White heightening has been added to suggest highlights and volume, bringing the figures forward. The strokes are not perfect, and the sketch is not overworked; the beauty of the artwork comes from Carracci's mastery of the wet-on-wet technique. The result is a dynamic and engaging composition, indicative of the artist's confident skill in ink drawing. The drawing is not just a preliminary study, but a self-sufficient work, allowing us to appreciate the artist’s process. This way of thinking about "fine art" emphasizes the importance of materials and making as part of the overall experience.