The same subject in reverse 1710 - 1780

Francesco La Marra created this drawing, "The same subject in reverse", in the 18th century, using pen and brown ink on paper. The apparent ease of a sketch like this belies the degree of preparation required. La Marra would have trained extensively in drawing, learning to capture complex forms with minimal means. Note the economy of line, and the way he suggests movement and volume. Paper was relatively expensive at the time, but ink, the primary medium here, would have been handmade and affordable, a democratic medium. Consider the social context. As a preparatory drawing, this work represents the crucial first stage of artistic production. It is about the labor of developing an idea. It demonstrates that even in the 1700s, art was about more than just the finished product – it was a process. Focusing on materials and making helps us recognize the thought, skill, and effort involved in even seemingly simple works like this. By valuing these aspects, we expand our understanding of art history.