The Fair at Impruneta
1619
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1619
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a busy outdoor scene with lots of tiny figures walking, talking, and carrying things. Trees line the edges, and a few buildings peek out in the background. The lines are light but detailed, giving a sense of movement and depth. The artist used a mix of pen and wash to create texture, making some areas look darker or more defined. This was likely a study for a larger work, since it’s drawn on paper with red chalk guidelines. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build up shading with layers of lines.