Mujer Leyendo 1838

Rosario Weiss Zorrilla made this drawing with graphite on paper in the 19th century. At first glance, it's a simple sketch of a woman engrossed in a book. But look closer, and you'll see that it's an exercise in the artistry of light and shadow. The graphite, applied with varying pressure and density, creates a subtle tonal range. Weiss Zorrilla coaxes depth and volume from a humble medium, and with the skilled use of hatching, the artist renders the folds of her dress and the soft contours of her face. The amount of work involved in creating this finished drawing, speaks to a trained hand and eye, reflective of a society that valued academic artistic training. The decision to use graphite, a readily available material, suggests a focus on practice and skill, elevating the everyday into art. It also speaks to the labor involved in creating a finished drawing. This modest drawing invites us to appreciate the artistry inherent in the process, bridging the gap between the act of creation and the final image.