Gezicht over een berglandschap 1570 - 1613

Cigoli made this landscape drawing with pen and brown ink in the late 16th or early 17th century. The quick, gestural strokes bring to life a vibrant mountain scene. Look closely, and you'll notice the ink varies in tone. The artist likely diluted the ink with water to create lighter washes for the sky and distant hills, building depth and atmosphere through layering. The thinness of the lines also contributes to a sense of spontaneity, as if Cigoli captured the scene in a single, inspired sitting. Drawings like this were not mere sketches, but valuable commodities. The availability of paper and ink empowered artists to generate countless images, and in a burgeoning art market, works on paper became increasingly sought after. This seemingly simple drawing speaks volumes about the changing role of the artist and the evolving economy of artmaking. It reminds us that even the most fleeting sketch is embedded in a rich context of materials, labor, and commerce.