Strijd tussen Lapithen en Centauren 1608 - 1610

This drawing, "Strijd tussen Lapithen en Centauren" was made by Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century using pen in brown, brush in brown, and grey wash. Rubens' mastery of these materials, particularly the nuanced application of the grey wash, allows him to create a sense of depth and dynamism that really brings the scene to life. It’s a testament to the skilled traditions that he was working within, where the manipulation of light and shadow was crucial. This was long before industrial production. We must see Rubens’s work as emerging from a world of guilds and studios, where the hand of the master was paramount. It's important to consider the labor involved in making these types of artworks and how they were tied to wider issues of politics and consumption. By emphasizing the materials, the making, and the context, we can fully understand this artwork, challenging the traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.