Servants Filling Urns 1710 - 1783

Francisco Vieira de Mattos, also known as Il Lusitano, created this drawing titled "Servants Filling Urns" on paper. The composition arranges figures and urns within a defined space, marked by a red chalk that offers both contour and volume. The use of line, specifically, creates a sense of movement, particularly in the act of pouring. The urns, varied in shape and size, are rendered with an attention to classical form. The monochromatic approach focuses our attention on form and structure. Lusitano uses red chalk to give volume to the figures and objects, as well as evoking a sense of warmth. The layering and density of the chalk lines suggest depth and shadow. The drawing explores classical themes through the interplay of form and function. The composition reflects a broader artistic and philosophical concern with space, perception and representation, inviting us to engage with the artwork’s aesthetic and cultural implications.