Drawing in Silver and Gold: Leonardo to Jasper Johns

Room 90, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG

Thursday 10 September – Sunday 6 December 2015

Booking strongly recommended 0207 323 8181

Opening times Monday to Thursday 10am to 5:30pm, Friday’s 10am to 8:30pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am to 5:30pm

0207 323 8299

Explore the development of the artistic technique of metalpoint from the Renaissance to the present, and discover how the technical challenge of the medium has inspired generations of artists.

Metalpoint is a drawing technique where the artist uses a metal stylus, usually made of silver, on an abrasive preparation so that traces of the metal are left on the surface, resulting in a visible drawing. In the hands of great artists, metalpoint can also be used more freely for creating rapid sketches.

The exhibition includes 100 drawings created using metalpoint technique. It features works by some of the greatest artists from the 14th century to the presents, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Petrus Christus, Jasper Johns, Bruce Nauman and many more. The exhibition is the first to explore the development of metalpoint through 6 centuries and showcases the great variety of artistic styles it has encompassed.

'Bust of a Warrior' Leonardo da Vinci