Drawing of drapery 1500

This study of drapery was made by Leonardo da Vinci in pen and ink, with white heightening on linen. When we look at this drawing, it’s easy to get lost in the flow of the fabric. But let's consider what Da Vinci is doing here. The study of drapery has been an academic exercise for centuries, precisely because it demands a high level of control. The challenge is to find convincing ways to render a 3D form on a 2D surface. In this case, da Vinci has built up subtle tonal gradations to evoke volume. Before photography, a mastery of drawing was essential to all sorts of creative endeavors, from painting to engineering. Looking closely, you can see the incredible amount of labor and experience that would have been required to create this study. The drawing represents a meeting point of the hand, the eye, and the intellect. And it reminds us that even the most seemingly straightforward image can involve immense skill.