Young man kneelig in profile to the left 1578 - 1650

This drawing of a young man kneeling was made by Matteo Rosselli using red chalk. While not as immediately imposing as painting or sculpture, drawing has a unique relationship to artistic labor. Here, the visible strokes of the chalk suggest the artist's active hand, and offer insight into his working process, from initial sketch to finished rendering. The texture and weight of the chalk on paper create a sense of immediacy, almost as if we’re looking over Rosselli’s shoulder as he works. Drawings like this allowed artists to rapidly develop ideas and prepare for larger projects. But they are also works of art in their own right. Rosselli's skilled manipulation of the red chalk, a relatively simple material, elevates this study to a thing of beauty. It reminds us that true artistry lies not just in the subject, but in the artist's touch, blurring the lines between the fine arts, and the skilled traditions of craftsmanship.