Judgement of Paris n.d.

Otto van Veen made this drawing of the Judgement of Paris using pen and brown ink, with brown wash, on paper. These are traditional fine art materials, but the artist's technique gives them a distinctive appearance. Note how the brown wash is applied in broad strokes, creating a sense of depth and shadow, while the pen lines define the figures with remarkable economy. The artist's skill lies in the efficiency of his hand, capturing form and narrative with minimal effort. Van Veen was not only a skilled artist but also a teacher, and this drawing may have served as a model for his students. The speed and fluidity of the drawing suggest a process of quick ideation. This was not about laborious refinement, but about capturing the essence of a classical myth with confidence and flair. The result invites us to consider how traditional materials, when wielded with such skill, can transcend their material limitations.