Artists Drawing and Painting in a Studio 1612 - 1666

Pier Francesco Mola made this pen and brown ink with brown wash drawing, titled "Artists Drawing and Painting in a Studio," sometime in the mid-17th century. Mola, working in a time when the art world was dominated by men, provides a peek into the creative spaces of his time. Here, we see a bustling studio, filled with artists diligently at work. The room pulses with creative energy, yet we can wonder who has access to such spaces. The gaze of the artists are directed towards a nude model. Consider the power dynamics that shape the creation and perception of art. How do societal norms and power structures influence who gets to create, whose stories are told, and whose bodies are immortalized in art? Mola's sketch captures a moment in time, but it also invites us to reflect on the broader social and cultural contexts that shape artistic expression. It challenges us to consider whose voices are amplified and whose stories remain untold.