In the 13th century, a thin silver wire was used for drawing. It was soldered to a handle and kept in a case. Contemporaries called this invention the "silver pencil." Few people used such a pencil, as drawing with it was quite difficult, and erasing what was drawn was impossible. After some time, everything drawn with the "silver pencil" would turn brown.
In parallel, the "lead pencil" was also used. It left a light but clear line. Most often, lead pencils were used in creating portraits. Fine hatching gave portraits delicate, natural features. Silver and lead pencils are characterized by their weightless strokes. Examples of drawings can be seen in Dürer's works, which are not only in museums but also on postage stamps.
