Philip Hobby Knight, after Holbein 1790

This is a drawing of Philip Hobby Knight, after Holbein, made with graphite on paper by John Smart Jr. The choice of graphite is interesting, as it’s a material that allows for a great deal of control and precision. Look closely, and you can see the subtlety of the shading and the fineness of the lines. There is a real delicacy to the surface, which gives a lightness and airiness to the overall image. Smart’s method allows him to be extremely precise, accurately conveying the essence of his subject, and this highlights his mastery of the drawing technique. The artwork shows the strong influence of Holbein’s style, which is well known for the realistic portrayal of textures and details, which Smart has captured using simple graphite. The artist is engaging with traditions of fine art, and showing the beauty and skill involved in drawing with graphite. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artwork, and question the lines drawn between fine art and craft.