aux deux crayons

The term "aux deux crayons" refers to a drawing technique that combines black and white chalk. This method was favored by artists in the 16th and 17th centuries, including Peter Paul Rubens, for creating preliminary sketches and, increasingly, finished drawings. The expressive range of chalk drawings expanded significantly with techniques like aux deux crayons and aux trois crayons (using red, black, and white chalk), allowing for effects comparable to watercolors or pastels. While chalk has been used since Paleolithic times, the graphite pencil, developed into its modern form around the late 18th century, also became a versatile tool for artists, offering a range of linear and tonal effects.123