Studies of Wrestlers c. 1620s

Jusepe de Ribera made this drawing of wrestlers in brown ink on paper. The swift, sure marks give a real sense of the straining bodies, pushing at their physical limits. The medium itself is very important here. Ink is a readily available material, that allows for quick and efficient capturing of observation. Ribera’s studies are economical in the resources required and in the time taken to produce the study. Wrestling itself is a very physical activity, and the drawing captures that sense of dynamism. In its own way, the drawing is almost performative, just like the sport itself. The choice of material and the efficiency of mark-making seem well-suited to the subject matter. Consider how the processes of labor and physicality are imbued in every aspect of this study. By looking at the materials and the artist’s gestures, we can appreciate how this drawing elevates a common subject through the artistic process.