Silverpoint drawing is a type of fine art drawing that dates back to the Medieval and Renaissance periods, in which silver wire or silverpoint stylus is used to make marks on a specially prepared surface. It is a traditional drawing technique that is often associated with precision and delicacy.

The technique involves dragging a thin silver wire or stylus across a prepared surface, usually a specially prepared paper, vellum or wood panel, which has been coated with a thin layer of gesso or primer. The pressure applied by the silver stylus leaves a very faint but permanent line on the surface, which cannot be erased. The metal point has a slightly abrasive quality that makes it possible to create fine, precise lines that have a unique, silvery sheen.

One of the main differences between silverpoint and normal pencil drawing is that silverpoint lines cannot be erased, as they are made by the pressure of a metal stylus rather than the deposition of graphite or charcoal on the surface. Silverpoint drawings also tend to have a more delicate and subtle quality due to the softness of the metal stylus, as well as the fact that the marks made by the silverpoint stylus will darken over time, creating a unique patina.

Silverpoint drawing has a rich history and was a popular medium for drawing during the Renaissance period, particularly in Italy. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer were known to have used the technique. It later fell out of favor with the advent of graphite pencils in the 16th century, but has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly among artists interested in exploring traditional drawing techniques.

Some of the advantages of silverpoint drawing include its permanence and archival quality, as well as the unique and delicate quality of the marks it produces. However, the technique also has some drawbacks, including the fact that the marks cannot be easily erased or corrected, and the fact that it requires a specially prepared surface, which can be time-consuming and expensive to create. Additionally, the metal point can be prone to breaking or wearing down over time, which can make it difficult to maintain consistent quality in a drawing.
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