Cross Hatching

Cross Hatching is used to create volume and space within a drawing. One set of hatching is crossed by a different set of hatching at a certain angle on the figure. Sometimes, an artist will use a third or forth set of hatching to create what they are going for. The closer the lines get to each other, the darker the area becomes. Nude Woman, Kneeling by Michelangelo is completed by using cross hatching. It is demonstrated throughout her entire body but is most clearly seen on her chest, stomach, and left thigh. The cross hatching makes her look like she has volume or depth. As you can see, in the spots with the most cross hatching, she is darker in appearance than in places that have very little cross hatching like on her right thigh.