Portret van graaf Charles-Frédéric Reinhard before 1837

This portrait of Count Charles-Frédéric Reinhard was made with graphite on paper by A. de Crobriand. Graphite is a form of carbon, and it is the softness of this material that allows it to leave a mark on paper, making it ideal for drawing. Here, the artist skillfully uses the material to create a range of tones, from light grays to deep blacks, that define the Count’s features and clothing. Look closely, and you'll notice the delicate rendering of the hair, achieved through fine, controlled lines. The artist uses the subtle variations in pressure and angle to achieve the textures of the hair, jacket and face. The choice of graphite, a relatively common and accessible material, speaks to the growing popularity of portraiture among the middle classes during this time. Graphite allowed for a level of detail and realism that was previously only achievable through more expensive mediums like oil paint. It suggests a democratization of art, where the means of production are becoming more widely available. This portrait is a testament to the way that materials and making can bring fine art and craft together.