Krönung des Heiligen Borromäus 

Carlo Maratti made this drawing, "The Coronation of Saint Borromeo," using pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite. It is made on paper, a relatively inexpensive and widely available material during Maratti's time. The sepia tones evoke the solemnity of the subject: Saint Borromeo's ascension and coronation. Note how the ink wash is applied to create depth and shadow, particularly in the drapery of Borromeo's robes and the billowing clouds that lift him towards heaven. The drawing displays considerable skill with traditional materials, and would likely have been made in preparation for a larger work. The relatively limited cost of the materials would have made it easier to test out a few different studies until the artist was satisfied, and ready to tackle a full-sized painting. Such preparatory drawings remind us that even the most seemingly spontaneous works of art are often the result of careful planning, labor, and refinement. By considering the artist's process and materials, we can gain a deeper understanding of the finished piece.