View of Harbor, with Figure and Vegetation in Foreground c. 1700

This drawing of a harbor scene was created by an anonymous artist using sanguine chalk on paper. The choice of sanguine, or red chalk, is significant. It’s a naturally occurring pigment, and lends itself to a warm, atmospheric effect. The artist has used it here to create a delicate, almost ethereal rendering of the scene, using the chalk to build up tone and texture with fine strokes. The drawing appears spontaneous, as though the artist made it on site to rapidly capture the overall composition. The harbor is active with boats and people, suggesting a thriving commercial center, while the vegetation in the foreground situates us on the shore, separated from that activity. The artist's choice of materials and techniques creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Paying attention to these kinds of choices helps us to understand the artist’s vision and to appreciate the skill and craft involved in creating even a seemingly simple work like this.