The Virgin Appearing to Saint Joseph Calasanctius 1711 - 1778

Marco Caprinozzi created this drawing, The Virgin Appearing to Saint Joseph Calasanctius, in the 18th century using graphite on paper. Graphite, a form of carbon, is known for its softness and the ease with which it leaves a mark on paper. Here, Caprinozzi exploits these properties to create subtle gradations of tone. The relative cheapness and accessibility of paper and graphite have historically made them ideal materials for preparatory sketches and studies, allowing artists to explore compositions and refine their ideas before committing to more expensive and permanent media. The drawing's appearance owes much to the linear precision of graphite and the smooth surface of the paper. The artist skillfully builds form and volume through delicate hatching and cross-hatching, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The choice of graphite, with its industrial origins, subtly intersects with the sacred subject matter, reminding us that even the most ethereal visions are grounded in the material world. Paying attention to materials and making allows us to see how these choices have social and historical meaning.