Horse 1624 - 1663

Francesco Allegrini made this drawing of a horse with pen and brown ink, sometime in the 17th century. The image is small, but it conveys a great deal of energy. You can practically hear the thundering of hooves! Consider the nature of ink as a material. Unlike paint, which is viscous and can be layered, ink flows easily across a surface, leaving a delicate trace. Allegrini made the most of this quality, using fine, controlled lines to define the horse's musculature and create a sense of volume. Note the cross-hatching, a technique that builds up tone and texture with overlapping lines. The drawing is not just a representation of a horse; it's also a record of Allegrini's skilled hand and eye, and of the artistic traditions he inherited. Drawing was a crucial skill, and the production of these images was a vital aspect of a thriving art world. Appreciating the artistry helps us to see it not just as a picture, but as a product of skilled labor.