Praying youth 

Ludovico Carracci made this drawing of a praying youth with red chalk, sometime around the turn of the 17th century. The beauty of a drawing like this is in the directness of the artist’s hand. You can see how the chalk is built up to create shadows and volume. Carracci's choice of red chalk lends a warmth and intimacy to the image, making the figure feel very present. The use of chalk allowed Carracci to achieve a range of tonal variations and subtle gradations, contributing to the overall sense of depth and realism. Red chalk was a common choice for drawings in this period, valued for its earthy tone and its ability to mimic the sanguine complexion of human skin. Think about the labor involved in creating this image. From the preparation of the chalk itself, perhaps by grinding natural pigments, to the careful layering of strokes on the paper. Drawings like this were often studies for larger paintings, but stand on their own as works of art. They remind us that the act of making is central to the creative process, and that even a simple material like chalk can be used to create something truly beautiful.