Putti at play 1850 - 1900

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise made this drawing of playful putti in brown wash on paper. This isn't a typical medium associated with high art like oil on canvas or marble sculpture. Lachaise embraced the immediacy and accessibility of drawing, a medium often used for preliminary sketches or studies. The drawing's appeal lies in its skillful manipulation of the wash, with delicate strokes defining the figures and suggesting movement, enhanced by the light and shadow effect. The fluidity of the wash creates a sense of lightness, perfectly complementing the ethereal nature of the putti. Lachaise's choice of a relatively inexpensive and easily accessible material like paper and wash may reflect a desire to democratize art, making it more relatable to a wider audience. The drawing, in its simplicity, challenges traditional notions of artistic value, reminding us that profound beauty can be found in everyday materials and processes.