View of the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli c. 1636 - 1644

This is Jan Asselijn's "View of the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli," a drawing rendered in pen and brown ink, on paper. The drawing's surface bears the marks of its making, with the texture and weight of the paper influencing the delicacy of the lines. Asselijn has used a grid to represent the ancient temple, which is a traditional method that has been used for centuries to transfer images from one surface to another. The act of drawing itself, with its reliance on hand-eye coordination and patient execution, imbues the artwork with a sense of human presence. Consider the labor and skill required to create this precise rendering. By appreciating the materials and making processes behind Asselijn's "View of the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli," we gain a deeper understanding of the artistry involved, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.