Portret van Apolonia Wilhelmina Spakler c. 1834 - 1844

Here's a portrait of Apolonia Wilhelmina Spakler, rendered in pencil by Christian Heinrich Gottlieb Steuerwald. The most obvious thing about a pencil drawing is the directness, the artist's hand is right there on the page. Steuerwald uses the pencil to explore nuances of form and light. The subtle gradations of shading that describe the sitters face and clothing are a testimony to his control of the medium, and the tools necessary. The graphite core of a pencil glides across the paper, leaving a trail of darkness that captures the likeness of the subject. While pencil might seem commonplace, it’s important to remember that its widespread availability is relatively recent. Before mass production, drawing materials were carefully sourced and valued. Steuerwald's choice of pencil speaks to its increasing accessibility and the changing landscape of artistic production. It also highlights the democratization of portraiture. Ultimately, this drawing is a reminder that even the simplest materials can be used to create works of great beauty and skill.