Piazza San Marco in Venetië c. 1656 - 1657

Moses ter Borch captured this image of Piazza San Marco in Venice with graphite on paper in the mid-17th century. Graphite, also known as 'plumbago' or black lead, was prized for its ability to leave marks on paper. The artist’s process and choice of materials are key to understanding this drawing. Graphite offers a range of tonal effects based on applied pressure, capturing light and shadow on the buildings, the towering campanile, and the figures populating the piazza. The artist would have needed a sharp eye and a steady hand to accurately capture the architectural detail. The paper's slight imperfections only add to the work's charm, making it a compelling historical document. This work, using everyday materials like graphite and paper, challenges the hierarchy between fine art and craft. It reminds us that the value of art often lies in the artist's vision.