Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why has paper been the most common drawing surface since the 15th century?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Drawing
The Artist's Sister, Edma, with Her Daughter, Jeanne, watercolor over graphite on paper by Berthe Morisot, 1872; in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Since the 15th century, paper has been the most popular ground for drawing due to its versatility and the development of techniques that made it highly suitable for artistic expression.
While artists have historically used various surfaces—including parchment, wood, and stone—paper became the preferred medium as manufacturing processes evolved to meet the needs of artists. Key factors contributing to its dominance include:
- Surface Consistency: Since the early 15th century, sheets were treated with glue or alum baths to achieve a smooth, nonabsorbent consistency. This preparation allowed the surface to accept various media, such as pen and ink, without the ink bleeding or spreading uncontrollably.1
- Versatility in Preparation: Artists could further refine the surface using primers like bone meal or gypsum, which were essential for techniques such as metalpoint. The ability to adjust the absorbency and texture made paper adaptable to different drawing styles and tools.1
- Aesthetic Variety: By the 18th century, paper was being manufactured in a wide range of colors and tones, allowing artists to incorporate the background color into their compositions.1
- Practicality: Paper provided a lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and readily available surface that supported the growing independence of drawing as an art form during the Renaissance.12