Kerk te Berlicum 1701 - 1759

Cornelis Pronk made this drawing of the Kerk te Berlicum with pen in gray ink and brush in gray wash. Ink drawings like this one relied on the artist’s hand, eye, and skill. There is a precision to the drawing and wash that demanded mastery of materials, tools, and techniques, and hours of labor. Pronk would have used a quill or reed pen and a brush to apply delicate washes of diluted ink for shading and volume. When considering Pronk’s drawing, it is important to remember that the making of art is inseparable from broader issues of labor and economics. The production of artworks requires the work of artists and craftspeople, who earn their living through the application of their skills and knowledge. The time and work involved can raise questions about the value of the final object. By focusing on the processes and skills involved in making art, we can better appreciate the social and cultural significance of works like Pronk’s drawing.