Alexander and Porus 1700 - 1737

This drawing, Alexander and Porus, was created by François Le Moyne, using pen and brown ink, with touches of white gouache, over a sketch in black chalk, on blue paper. Notice how the blue paper influences the appearance, lending the image a cool, almost ethereal quality, while the brown ink creates depth and contrast. The artist used white gouache highlights to make the figures stand out against the chaotic background of the battle scene. Le Moyne masterfully combined these materials to create a dynamic and visually striking composition. The artist's skill is evident in the way he captured the movement and emotion of the scene. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed drawing by hand, where each stroke of the pen contributes to the overall effect. Paying attention to the materials and processes used in this artwork helps us appreciate the labor, skill, and artistic intention behind it, blurring the lines between traditional art and craft.