Head of a Young Woman c. late 1870s

Eastman Johnson created this drawing of a young woman, using charcoal on paper. Charcoal is a humble material, made from burned wood, with a long association with preparatory sketches rather than finished artworks. The magic of charcoal lies in its ability to express both delicacy and boldness. Notice how Johnson coaxes a range of tones from the charcoal. See the soft, smudged shadows around the woman's face, and the sharp, dark lines defining her features and hair. The texture of the paper also plays a role, creating subtle variations in tone. Johnson's choice of material speaks to a certain democratisation of art at the time, with artists seeking inspiration in everyday life and elevating the status of ordinary subjects. This drawing embodies that spirit, transforming a simple study into a powerful and evocative portrait, proving that artistic vision is as important as the materials used.