Head of a Boy 

Paolo Farinati made this drawing, 'Head of a Boy', using black and white chalk on blue paper. Chalk, though seemingly simple, offers a wide tonal range. Notice how Farinati uses the black chalk to define the boy's profile, from his brow to the set of his jaw. The white chalk adds highlights, giving form to the boy's face and clothes. The blue paper isn't just a backdrop, it acts as a middle tone, unifying the drawing. Drawing was fundamental to the artistic process during the Renaissance. It was a way to study form, light, and shadow, and to prepare for larger paintings or sculptures. But drawings like this were also valued as works of art in their own right. Consider the labor involved. Sourcing the chalk, preparing the paper, and the artist's hours of skilled work. 'Head of a Boy' reminds us that even seemingly simple materials can be transformed into something beautiful and expressive through skill and care. It challenges us to appreciate the artistry inherent in the process of drawing itself.