It was interesting to see how small these drawings are. Amazing, the fine lines in red chalk, a chalk that has been fished out now. [..]
One drawing that stands out in my mind I will never forget was very small: The heads of Homer, Dante and another poet, pen and iron-gall ink. Every line is perfect to the contour done with the rapidity (speed) of calligraphy and like calligraphy. A line would move along in one direction and without stopping turn and move back without lifting. The next line would do likewise as it crossed over the first set. I put my nose up to the drawing for a very long time to try to burn it into my head. The thing that impressed me was how fast his line moved. Those lines could only have been done at a high speed as they never waver in the slightest.
I was also entranced with Del Vaga and Caravaggio. A drawing by Caravaggio called Autumn done in charcoal underdrawing; pen and iron-gall ink Very nice, very beautiful lines. Very nice flare with the ink.
Mark
