The Painter Eugène Delacroix 

James Ensor created this drawing of the painter Eugène Delacroix using graphite on paper. The relative immediacy of drawing lends itself to capturing a likeness, and the use of graphite further emphasizes the nature of the medium as something to be consumed in the making. Graphite, derived from mineral deposits and manufactured into pencils, connects the artistic process to extractive industries and labor. Ensor’s gestural lines capture the profile of Delacroix with remarkable economy, creating a sense of depth through subtle gradations of tone. The softness of graphite allows for easy blending, resulting in smooth transitions and delicate shading. The quick nature of the drawing speaks to the role of the medium as one of preparation, or the capturing of a moment. Ultimately, Ensor's choice of materials and techniques highlights the fusion of artistic skill and industrial processes. It prompts us to consider how materials and making shape meaning, blurring conventional boundaries between art and craft.