God cursing Cain after the murder of Abel 1666 - 1724

Benedetto Luti made this drawing on paper of 'God cursing Cain after the murder of Abel.' The artwork uses traditional art materials, such as black chalk, heightened with white chalk. The way Luti uses black and white chalk, mixing them and blurring their edges, gives the artwork a smoky, ethereal quality. The chalk is applied with varying pressure and direction, building up the forms and textures of the figures and the swirling clouds. We can imagine Luti holding the chalk in different ways, using the side of the stick for broad shading and the tip for fine details. This physicality infuses the image with a sense of drama. This drawing is not just about the story it tells. It also demonstrates Luti's mastery of his materials and techniques. The medium of chalk, combined with the artist's skill, elevates it beyond a simple sketch. It embodies the high level of skill and artistry valued in the 18th century. This piece challenges any rigid distinction between craft and fine art.