Studie af apostlen Markus skrivende, samt detailstudie af hånden, der holder bogen 1575 - 1635

Tanzio da Varallo made this study of the apostle Mark, using a reddish chalk on paper. As a preparatory sketch, it gives us a glimpse into the artist’s process. Notice how he focuses on specific aspects of the composition – the hands, feet, and folds of the drapery. Chalk allowed him to quickly build up form through layers of hatching and cross-hatching, capturing the play of light and shadow on the figure. The drawing reveals a deep engagement with the craft of representation. Varallo would have honed his skills through years of practice, mastering the control of the chalk to create convincing illusions of texture and volume. The sheet itself bears witness to the labor involved in artistic creation. It is a reminder that even the most seemingly effortless works of art are the product of dedicated skill and time. By appreciating the materials and processes behind this study, we can move beyond traditional notions of artistic genius and recognize the importance of craft in shaping our visual world.