A Silverpoint Drawing Is ____.

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The Art of Silverpoint Drawing

Leonardo da Vinci, Study for the Angel in Madonna of the Rocks
Silverpoint, ca. 1483-85

Silverpoint is a type of drawing in which an artist uses thin pieces of silver wire held in a stylus to make marks on prepared paper. Before the popularization of graphite as a medium, artists drew with metals such as silver, gold, copper, tin, or lead. Broadly referred to as "metalpoint," this technique was first used by medieval scribes in the creation of illuminated manuscripts and reached the height of its popularity during the Renaissance. Silver became the metal of choice because its subtle sheen gains character over time as the traces of metal oxidize and the silver color changes to a warm brown.

Silverpoint drawings are remarkable for their fine lines, subtle shading, and sensuous surfaces. It is one of the least forgiving drawing mediums, in that every alteration shows and nothing can be erased. An artist must possess a high degree of confidence, attention to detail, and a light touch to work in this medium. Perhaps the most sensitive draftsman in all of art history, Leonardo da Vinci created beautiful drawings in silverpoint, like the study for the angel in his Madonna of the Rocks, pictured above.

A contemporary silverpoint drawing by a Portraits, Inc. artist

Though silverpoint has largely fallen out of use, a handful of Portraits, Inc. artists continue to work in silverpoint, breathing new life into this revered medium. The results are finely rendered, sensitive portraits reminiscent of those of the Old Masters.

Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world's foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.