Staande man met een vaandel en gevederde hoed 1696

Hendrick van Beaumont’s “Standing Man with a Banner and Feathered Hat” appears to be made with red chalk, a naturally tinted clay that gives a warm, earthy tone to the paper. Rather than using traditional art materials, such as paint, Beaumont explored the qualities of red chalk to build up tone and shadow, creating a sense of depth and volume. Notice how the artist carefully renders the texture of the feathers and the folds of the clothing. The way the chalk is applied, with varying pressure, creates the visual interest of the drawing. Such drawings served a vital purpose. They capture observations of everyday life and are tied to wider social issues of the time. The work involved in producing such detailed studies highlights the role of the artist as a skilled craftsman, challenging the hierarchy between fine art and craft. Beaumont elevates the status of drawing as a vital form of artistic expression, placing value on the art of craftsmanship.