Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence 1600 - 1700

This drawing, Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, presents us with an anonymous artist's exploration of form and structure. Executed in pen and brown ink with gray wash, the compact composition centers on the saint’s suffering. The artist uses line and shading to guide our eyes. Notice how the lines create movement, swirling upwards from the earthly suffering to the heavens above. Figures lean in towards the saint; some tormenting, some observing. These groupings are rendered with broad strokes, almost as blocks which adds depth and intensity to the scene. The sketch appears to be a study, which challenges the traditional idea of a finished artwork. The choice of medium and the unfinished quality invite us to consider the creative process itself, rather than a polished result. The drawing destabilizes the boundary between sketch and artwork, suggesting that the act of creation holds its own unique value.