Standing Figure of Apollo with a Lyre 1666 - 1724

Paolo Gerolamo Piola made this drawing of Apollo with a lyre, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. It's rendered in pen, ink, and wash, with white chalk highlights on blue paper. What makes this drawing interesting is how the artist coaxes a three-dimensional form from such simple means. We see the confident lines defining Apollo’s body, and the skillful application of wash that creates depth and shadow. Look closely and you'll see how the white chalk adds highlights, giving a sense of light and volume. This kind of drawing was a critical part of an artist's training. It was how they mastered the fundamentals of form, composition, and the manipulation of light and shade. It speaks to a world where skill and craft were highly valued, and where the ability to draw well was a prerequisite for success in the art world. Appreciating the artistry is about recognizing the time and effort put into mastering the techniques. This challenges our traditional distinctions between "high art" and craft.