Death of the Virgin 

Pirro Ligorio rendered *Death of the Virgin* in pen and brown ink with brown wash, a traditional medium for Italian Renaissance drawings. Ligorio’s method emphasizes line, but it’s his mastery of wash - diluted ink applied with a brush - that truly brings this composition to life. Look how the subtle gradations create volume and depth, imbuing the scene with an ethereal quality. As for the social context, the drawing is not necessarily about the labor involved in the production process. It does, however, reflect a highly refined artistic culture, where skilled draftsmanship was prized. Ligorio was also an antiquarian, fascinated by the material remains of the ancient world. He translated this sensibility into his drawings, which often have a classical flavor. Ultimately, *Death of the Virgin* demonstrates how even a seemingly straightforward drawing can be deeply embedded in the values and practices of its time. It's a testament to the enduring power of traditional materials when wielded with skill and imagination.