Allegory of Peace 1515 - 1525

This delicate drawing, "Allegory of Peace," was made with pen and brown ink, likely in the 16th or 17th century by an anonymous artist. The artist used traditional drawing materials to make this image which appears to be a preparatory sketch. Look closely and you'll notice how the ink bleeds slightly into the paper. This quality influences the overall appearance of the artwork, softening the edges of each figure and imbuing the scene with a dreamlike quality. Consider the labor involved in producing the ink itself, from gathering and grinding the materials to mixing the pigment. These traditions highlight the value placed on the material and the artist’s skill in handling them. Even in its unfinished state, the artist's skilled hand brings the allegory to life. By acknowledging the labor, materials and context, we gain a richer understanding of the artist’s intent and the artwork's place in a much wider creative practice.