Portret van Henri de Régnier 1898

Theo van Rysselberghe made this portrait of Henri de Régnier using graphite on paper. The qualities of graphite allow for a wide range of tonal variation, from the lightest grays to almost solid blacks. Look closely and you'll notice Rysselberghe used this to great effect. The subtle shading around Régnier's eyes and cheekbones gives his face depth and volume. And the light, feathery lines that define his hair and clothing create a sense of movement. Drawing is often seen as a preliminary step, a way of planning a painting or sculpture. But in this case, the drawing stands on its own as a finished work of art. The immediacy of the medium and the artist's hand are readily apparent. Ultimately, it's the close attention to materials and the artist's skill that elevates this simple drawing to something truly special, defying the traditional hierarchy between drawing and painting.