Head of a Young Female Saint; verso: Sketch of a Head c. 17th century

Editor: This is Elisabetta Sirani's "Head of a Young Female Saint," a red chalk drawing. I find the sketchiness quite striking. What stands out to you? Curator: I'm drawn to the materiality. Consider the paper's preparation, the specific red chalk used. How did those available materials and the artist’s process shape the image, and how did access to these contribute to the artist's status? Editor: That’s fascinating! I hadn't considered the economic aspects of art creation back then. Curator: Exactly! By examining production, we see beyond just aesthetic beauty. The artist's hand and the resources available are integral to its meaning. Editor: Thanks, I'll never look at chalk drawings the same way again.