Study of a Head 

Alphonse Legros made this drawing, Study of a Head, using graphite on paper. A humble pairing, but one which has underpinned centuries of artistic practice. The character of the graphite is key here. Notice the soft, grainy quality of the lines, built up in layers to suggest the form of the head and beard. See how Legros varies the pressure of his pencil to create areas of light and shadow. He coaxes the graphite to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface. Drawing has always been regarded as a fundamental skill for artists, even in our digital age. It encourages close observation and hand-eye coordination. Legros himself was a master draughtsman, and he understood the importance of this direct engagement with materials. This work reminds us that art doesn't always require elaborate materials or complex techniques. Sometimes, the simplest means can be the most effective. The study of a head invites us to appreciate the artist's skill and the inherent qualities of modest materials.