Preparatory sketch of a court scene

This work offers insights into the next step of the process, where the drawing is being prepared for paint application. The thin layer of white pigment, made of zinc or lead, is seen here serving its two main purposes: for masking design changes and as a base layer.

After the artist has completed planning the composition, the surface is thinly coated with a white wash to make a smooth base for the paint layers, filling in any unevenness of the paper and toning down the drawing outlines. Here, the white wash is also used to make design changes, as in adjusting the position of one of the gift-bearing standing attendants.