Evangelist Marcus 1537 - 1585

Luca Cambiaso created this drawing, Evangelist Marcus, with pen and brown ink, on paper. The composition immediately draws our attention with its confident and fluid lines, which delineate the figure of the Evangelist Marcus. The drawing’s sepia tones evoke a sense of classical antiquity. Cambiaso’s use of hatching and cross-hatching not only defines the form and volume of the figure but also infuses it with movement. Notice the rhythmic strokes that suggest the draping of Marcus’ robes and the texture of the lion at his feet. The rapid, almost scribbled lines around the figure add an energetic quality to the work. This dynamism reflects the artistic inquiries of the Renaissance, which sought to capture not just likeness but also the vitality of its subjects. The structure of the drawing emphasizes the interplay between light and shadow, thereby creating depth on a flat surface. This approach is very much in line with the Renaissance interest in perspective and spatial relationships.