Hest set bagfra samt et hesteben 1717 - 1776

This drawing of a horse’s hindquarters and leg was made by Jacques François Joseph Saly. The medium is black chalk on paper, modest materials for a preparatory sketch. But consider the labor involved. Saly was a celebrated sculptor, and this drawing likely served his process of visualizing form. Chalk allows for quick, expressive marks to capture the muscularity and weight of the horse. Saly carefully built up the image with layers of shading, giving the animal a sense of volume. Note how he uses hatching to model the curves and contours. This wasn't just a casual doodle. Saly's expertise in both drawing and sculpture demonstrates the close relationship between these two disciplines in the 18th century. He uses this traditional technique to portray the reality of this animal, displaying the importance of craft in the making of fine art.