Achilles and the Daughters of Lycomedes 1647 - 1726

Gregorio de' Ferrari made this drawing, "Achilles and the Daughters of Lycomedes," using pen and brown ink, with white gouache over black chalk on paper. The artist’s hand moves freely here, evident in the spontaneous lines and layered application of gouache. Ferrari's loose strokes create a sense of movement. The composition feels transient, like a fleeting moment captured in ink. The materiality of the drawing contributes to its sketch-like aesthetic, emphasizing the creative process over a highly polished final product. The use of traditional materials like ink and chalk roots this work in established artistic practices, yet the immediacy of the sketch also brings it closer to everyday observation. The drawing feels intimate and personal, a study of form and narrative that transcends the boundaries between fine art and craft. It's a great example of how material and making can influence our understanding of art.