Johannes de Doper in de woestijn 1513 - 1527

Parmigianino made this drawing of Saint John the Baptist in the wilderness using pen and brown ink on paper. The quick, sketch-like quality of the drawing is readily apparent in Parmigianino’s choice of materials, as well as in the visible lines and strokes, allowing the viewer to witness the artist's hand at work. The artist rapidly rendered dynamic and fluid lines, resulting in an ethereal quality. The layering and hatching of the lines show Parmigianino’s commitment to material practice to render form and texture in ink on paper. The translucence of the ink and paper creates a sense of lightness and movement, complementing the religious figure of Saint John the Baptist. Parmigianino’s conscious choices of these basic materials, together with the artistic techniques employed, reflect the cultural values placed on draftsmanship as part of the labor of producing art.