During which artistic period did drawings begin to be accepted as finished works of art?

The period during which drawings began to be accepted as finished works of art is the Renaissance, which aligns with the broader timeframe of the 1500-1600s. During the Renaissance, artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo elevated the status of drawing from a preparatory activity to one of its own aesthetic value. This shift was significant because it reflected a deeper understanding of the artistic process and a growing appreciation for the creativity and skill required to produce drawings.

Renaissance artists embraced a more naturalistic approach to representation, and drawings became integral to the communication of ideas and concepts in art. They were seen not just as tools for planning larger works but as individual pieces deserving of recognition, often showcasing the artist's skill and imaginative vision. Consequently, many artists began to create drawings specifically for exhibition, and they were collected and valued in their own right.

In contrast, the artistic periods before the Renaissance, such as the Middle Ages, primarily viewed drawings as preliminary sketches for other media like painting or sculpture, without a significant level of appreciation for the drawings themselves as finished works of art.