A woman sewing, and a man watching her 1662

This delicate graphite drawing was made by Esaias Boursse, likely during the mid-17th century. The artist has used the pencil to capture a domestic scene: a woman sewing, with a man looking on. The drawing's strength is its attention to the texture and weight of the fabrics. Boursse's gentle shading suggests the folds of the woman’s dress, the soft cushion on which she sits, and the tunic worn by the standing man. Graphite, as a material, lends itself well to these subtle effects. The material also connects the artwork to the broader social context of the time, reflecting the period's interest in documenting everyday life and labor. It is a relatively quick medium, and so conveys a sense of immediacy. Ultimately, by focusing on the tactile qualities of clothing and the tools of its making, Boursse elevates the everyday into art, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.