Venus en Amor 1600 - 1636

Cornelis van Poelenburch made this drawing, Venus en Amor, using pen and brown ink, with brown wash, on paper. This artwork is a beautiful example of the artist’s skilled draftsmanship. The brown ink, applied with precision, creates delicate lines and subtle gradations of tone, lending a sense of depth and volume to the figures of Venus and Cupid. But it also speaks to the availability of materials, and the economy of means: paper, pen, and a bit of ink. Poelenburch could dash this off, and perhaps did many such drawings in preparation for larger paintings, or simply for the market. The process of creating such a drawing, with its emphasis on line and shading, highlights the artist's mastery of form and anatomy. However, it also reminds us of the role of drawing as a preparatory stage in the production of art. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in the creation of even a seemingly simple work of art, challenging the notion that only large-scale paintings deserve our attention and admiration.