Mies, Andrea del Sarton mukaan 1877 - 1878

Helene Schjerfbeck made this drawing, Mies, Andrea del Sarto mukaan, with pen on paper. Pen and paper are humble materials but, in the hands of a skilled artist, they can achieve an aesthetic impact beyond their perceived value. Schjerfbeck used the pen to create a network of fine lines that define the contours and volumes of the figure. Look closely, and you'll see how she varies the pressure and speed of her strokes to create a sense of depth and texture. This simple process required years of training and an acute understanding of anatomy. The act of drawing is, in itself, a form of labor. The repetitive movements, the concentration, and the sheer amount of time required to produce a finished work all speak to the dedication of the artist. By focusing on these essential elements, we can begin to appreciate how the value of art is tied to the labor of its making.