Recto: "Libro Primo, Chapo Quarto..." (Vitruvius, Book 1, Chapter 4); Verso: The Fortification of City Walls (Vitruvius, Book 1, Chapter 5). 1530 - 1545

The Sangallo family made this drawing around 1510-1520, using pen and brown ink on paper. The image offers both a textual and visual interpretation of the Roman architect Vitruvius’s writings, specifically focusing on the construction of fortified city walls. Notice how the choice of medium directly informs the drawing's aesthetic qualities. Pen and ink allowed the artists to render fine, precise lines, essential for technical architectural drawings. This contrasts with the immense labor required for the actual building of fortifications. The drawing condenses material and human effort into delicate lines, subtly reminding us of the intellectual labor involved in designing such structures. Moreover, the drawing embodies the Renaissance’s deep engagement with classical knowledge. This sheet represents a commitment to understanding and reviving ancient building practices. It's a beautiful demonstration of how traditional materials can be applied to communicate complex social, cultural, and political ideas, bridging the gap between the practical world of construction and the intellectual realm of architectural theory.