River God c. 1528

Giulio Romano created this drawing of a River God with pen and brown ink, likely as a study for a larger work. The energetic lines capture a figure in dynamic repose, filling a lunette-shaped space. The god's muscular form, defined by rapid strokes, suggests power and latent energy. Romano's use of line is particularly striking. Look at how he uses a network of hatching and cross-hatching to model the figure's anatomy, creating depth and volume. Notice also the contrast between the more defined contours of the figure's face and torso, and the looser, more gestural lines that describe the limbs and drapery. This visual tension animates the composition and draws our eye across the surface. Romano was a master of disegno, the Italian concept linking drawing to intellectual design. This drawing exemplifies that, showcasing not just technical skill, but also an intellectual engagement with classical form and mythology. It is a testament to the enduring power of line as a means of artistic expression.