The Continence of Scipio 1646 - 1679

Pieter Crijnse Volmarijn created this drawing, "The Continence of Scipio", using pen and brown ink, with brown wash and touches of red chalk. The fluid lines and layered washes showcase a mastery of draughtsmanship. Volmarijn, active in the Dutch Golden Age, would have grounded his artistic practice in skillful technique, and familiarity with paper production, ink preparation, and brush handling. The choice of brown ink and wash gives the drawing a warm, tonal quality, while the red chalk adds subtle highlights, creating depth and dimension. The layering of the washes suggests a time-intensive method, a testament to the value placed on skilled labor in the art world of the 17th century. The drawing also sits within a longer history of skilled practices from manuscript production to printmaking, each with its own set of traditions and techniques. This piece, therefore, asks us to consider how the value of artistic skill intersects with broader social and economic structures, and the amount of work involved in the production process.