In which period were drawings primarily used as a preparation for paintings?

The period in which drawings were primarily used as a preparation for paintings is the Renaissance. During this time, artists began to place a significant emphasis on the process of creating art, leading to a more systematic approach to drawing as a preparatory step for painting. This approach allowed artists to experiment with composition, perspective, and anatomy before committing to the final painted work.

In the Renaissance, the role of drawing evolved significantly; it became a crucial tool for planning and executing complex compositions. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo utilized sketches not only to record ideas but also to refine their concepts and ensure better outcomes in their paintings. This transition marked a substantial shift in artistic practices and ideas about the importance of drawing in managing the creative process.

While drawings were certainly used during the Middle Ages, their role was more about illustrating manuscripts or conveying religious narratives, rather than focusing on preparation for paintings in the way it was emphasized later in the Renaissance. The Baroque period regarded the final artwork with a focus on dramatic expression and detail, but did not primarily redefine drawing as a preparatory medium in the same way. Pre-history involved basic forms of visual communication without the structured approach to drawing seen in later periods.