David Cutting Off Skirt of Saul's Robe n.d.

This drawing of David cutting off the skirt of Saul's robe was made with pen and brown ink, and gray wash, over black chalk. The lines created by the pen are highly visible, a reminder that the artist started with the raw materials of ink, chalk and paper, manipulating them to create this scene. The strokes of the pen, the rubbing of the chalk, the soaking of the paper, they all seem to have an impact on the image. Notice how the softness of the chalk and the wash contrasts with the hard, incisive lines of the ink. The choice of materials speaks to the artist's intention, as the stark contrast of dark and light, soft and hard, creates a dramatic visual effect that emphasizes the tension of the moment depicted. By focusing on the materials and processes used to create this drawing, we gain a deeper understanding of the work. It is no longer just an image, but a testament to the artistic process itself.