Angels Supporting a Frame 1674 - 1755

This drawing, Angels Supporting a Frame, was made by Pier Leone Ghezzi in the 18th century, using pen and brown ink with gray wash on laid paper. Ghezzi employed a fairly standard approach in his drawings: the fluidity of the pen allows for expressive line work, while the application of gray wash gives volume and depth to the cherubic figures. Notice how the weight and absorbency of the paper influence the ink's spread, creating a sense of atmosphere around the angels. This method, though traditional, was efficient. Drawings like this could be produced relatively quickly, making them ideal for preparatory studies or as independent works for sale. The ease of production reflects the growing market for art during the period, where artists needed to balance skill with productivity. The wash creates value that would otherwise have to be laid down by hatching and cross-hatching; it's a real time-saver. Considering the materials and techniques used highlights the economic realities of artmaking in the 1700s, and how artists adapted to meet the demands of the market.