The Art of Preparing and Making the Materials used in Writing [School piece or Penmanship sheet] 1786

"The Art of Preparing and Making the Materials used in Writing" is a penmanship or school piece from 1786 by Carington Bowles I. The artwork showcases the process of making writing materials through a series of vignettes, each depicting a different step in the process. The central image is a paper mill, and the other vignettes depict the making of ink, pounce, quills, and sealing wax. The piece is a fine example of didactic art, designed to educate viewers on the production of essential writing materials. It is currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.