Idylle bij een fontein Possibly 1667

Jan de Bisschop created this drawing, Idylle bij een fontein, using pen and brown ink with brown wash, sometime in the 17th century. Look closely, and you'll see the sepia tones build up to create depth and shadow, bringing this idyllic scene to life. But what makes this drawing so compelling is not just the classical subject matter, but also the way that de Bisschop approached his craft. In his time, drawing was not always considered a standalone art form, but rather a means to an end – a preparatory sketch for a painting or sculpture. Yet, here, the artist elevates drawing to a fine art. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed and nuanced work with just pen and ink. Each stroke, each wash, carefully considered and precisely executed. De Bisschop’s mastery of his materials shines through, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.