Christ Child and Secondary Child Figure Bearing the Cross (recto); Fragment of Design for Ornamental Border (verso) 1600 - 1700

This drawing, by an anonymous artist, depicts the Christ Child and another child bearing the cross, rendered in pen and brown ink on paper. The choice of medium – humble materials – immediately signals a departure from the opulence often associated with religious art. Look closely, and you’ll notice the lines are not just descriptive, but also create tonal variation. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching techniques to build up shadows and volume, particularly on Christ’s robes. The weight of the cross is palpable, as it digs into his shoulder, conveyed through the modulation of line. Given the absence of color and the unpretentious materials, the emotional impact of the scene hinges entirely on the artist’s skill with line. There’s a raw, almost urgent quality to the work. This kind of drawing was often a preliminary study, a space for the artist to work through ideas. It is a reminder that even the most profound subjects can be approached with modesty and directness, emphasizing the human effort behind every work of art.