Angelo Maria Querini Created Cardinal by Benedict XIII 1709 - 1787

Francesco Zugno created "Angelo Maria Querini Created Cardinal by Benedict XIII" using pen and brown ink with gray wash on paper. Here, the lines seem swiftly, almost effortlessly drawn, yet they expertly define form and space. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the ink bleeds slightly into the paper, softening the edges and adding depth to the composition. This wasn’t just about the image but the relationship of the ink to the page, the artist really understands the intrinsic qualities of his medium. Consider the social context; in 18th-century Venice, drawing was a vital skill, essential for everything from record-keeping to artistic expression. Zugno was part of a thriving culture of workshops, where drawing skills were honed through years of practice, and these weren't just academic exercises, but a necessary form of visual communication and storytelling. The importance of materials, making, and context helps us to move beyond simple representation and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, revealing the broader cultural and historical significance embedded within this beautiful drawing.