St. Paul preaching at Athens 

Parmigianino made this drawing, St. Paul preaching at Athens, using pen and brown ink with brown wash on paper. The image is defined by the artist’s skilled draftsmanship and highlights the material properties of ink and paper as tools for visualizing depth and movement. Parmigianino's linear technique is on full display here. Look closely, and you'll notice how fluidly the ink flows across the paper, creating dynamic outlines and delicate shading. Washes of diluted ink add depth and volume to the figures, giving them a tangible presence despite the simplicity of the medium. The choice of brown ink lends a warmth and earthiness to the scene. The drawing shows the artist's mastery of Renaissance techniques, yet it also suggests a self-conscious reflection on the nature of his craft and the amount of work involved in producing artworks at that time. By focusing on the materiality and process of drawing, Parmigianino elevates it to the level of fine art, challenging conventional hierarchies between different artistic disciplines.