The Holy Trinity 1550 - 1600

This drawing of The Holy Trinity was made by an anonymous artist, with pen and brown ink, heightened with white gouache over black chalk. The artist achieved tonal variations by diluting the ink wash to create a range of effects, from deep shadows to subtle gradations. The drawing’s effect depends on the immediacy of the artist’s hand, from the controlled hatching of the robes to the delicate rendering of the angels' wings. The artist skillfully uses line and wash, building up layers to define form and volume. The material qualities of pen and ink lend themselves well to capturing movement and light. The use of drawing as a preparatory exercise has historically been crucial to workshop production, involving collaborative processes and the division of labor. In this context, craft and art converge, challenging traditional hierarchies. The drawing serves as a testament to the artist’s skill, rooted in material exploration and making.