During the Italian Renaissance, generally held to be the period 1400 – 1600, drawing became a much more important part of an artist’s creative process. With paper becoming cheaper as a result of the book printing revolution in the 1500s, an artist could use it wastefully in a more experimental manner.
Find out more about the world of Renaissance drawing, exploring the essential role it played in the creative process of Italian artists.
Explore the processes of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo from an initial sketch, to figure studies using models, drapery studies of clothing and individual head studies, and finally to large scale cartoons.
Discover how artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo employed various techniques and materials to create masterpieces that continue to inspire and amaze us today. Gain insights into the importance of drawing as a testament to the artist’s vision and skill and discover how artists would be surprised to know their drawings survive until this day.