Circumcision of Christ 

Francesco Vanni made this drawing, “Circumcision of Christ,” sometime before 1610 using pen and brown ink on paper. Vanni’s choice of materials directly influenced the drawing's appearance, giving it an informal, immediate quality. The brown ink, fluid and easily applied, allowed for quick, expressive lines that define the figures and setting with minimal detail. This suggests the drawing was created in preparation for a larger, more elaborate composition, like a painting. The relative ease and portability of pen and ink on paper facilitated the rapid generation of ideas, making it a practical tool for artists in the 16th and 17th centuries. Paper and ink, though common, were valuable commodities, indicative of a culture where artistic skill was supported by patronage and a growing market for art. By examining the materials and processes, we gain insight into the artist's method, the social context of artistic production, and the layers of meaning embedded within the artwork itself.