Toilette der Venus, Amor als Spiegelhalter 

Francesco Bartolozzi sketched "Toilette der Venus, Amor als Spiegelhalter" using red chalk, likely during the late 18th century. The choice of red chalk lends a warmth and immediacy to the drawing. Unlike the precise lines of ink or the rich depth of oil paint, red chalk offers a more intimate and accessible aesthetic. It invites the viewer to consider the artist's hand, and the directness of the creative process. The technique requires a skilled hand to control the pressure and angle of the chalk, achieving variations in tone and texture, thereby creating a sense of depth and volume. Bartolozzi's choice of this medium situates the work within a tradition of preparatory sketches and studies, often considered less ‘finished’ than other fine art forms. This challenges the distinction between the preliminary and the complete, inviting appreciation for the beauty inherent in the process of creation. Ultimately, the work invites us to value the artistry embedded in the act of drawing itself.