Masterpieces... on Blue Paper

Made from fibres derived from blue rags, the "blue paper" first appeared during the Renaissance in Italy. It quickly became a popular drawing medium for artists and its use spread across Western Europe by the late 16th century, becoming widely used in England and France in the 18th century. Blue paper provided a soft mid-tone that allowed for strong contrasts of light and shade, an effect much sought after by early draftsmen. The exhibition features drawings on blue paper selected from the Courtauld’s Collection. Drawings range from works by Venetian Renaissance artist Jacopo Tintoretto to a watercolour by the famous English artist Joseph Mallord William Turner.