Studies of a Seated Bearded Man 1831 - 1889

Eduard Bendemann’s ‘Studies of a Seated Bearded Man’ is a drawing made with graphite on paper. Bendemann used conventional tools and techniques, but the material itself allows for a remarkable range of expression. Graphite, essentially carbon, is soft enough to leave a mark with the slightest pressure, yet capable of capturing intricate details. In this drawing, Bendemann coaxes out a range of tonalities through varying degrees of pressure. The tooth of the paper also plays a role, as it allows the graphite to catch and create texture. The sheet is filled with a series of studies, each capturing a different pose or expression. The immediacy of drawing lends itself to capturing fleeting moments, and the intimate scale invites close inspection. This work shows Bendemann’s deft control and appreciation for the material's potential, and is a testament to how the simplest of means can result in the most compelling and evocative imagery.