Half-Length Sketch of Gentleman Wearing Wig n.d.

This sketch of a gentleman in a wig was made by an anonymous artist using red chalk on paper. Chalk is a naturally occurring medium; its earthly qualities lend themselves beautifully to the task of portraiture. The wig is the focal point of the image. Consider the labor required to produce such a complex piece of adornment in its time. Constructed from human or animal hair, these wigs would have been costly status symbols, indicative of the sitter’s social standing. The sketch itself is rapidly executed; note how the artist’s hand moved quickly to capture the volume of the wig and the subject's general likeness. Although this is a sketch, the artist has deftly captured the texture of the wig, using a technique of hatching to suggest depth and shadow. The drawing embodies a tension between the ephemeral and the material, reminding us that even quick sketches can convey layers of social and cultural meaning. It challenges traditional art distinctions, showing how fashion, labor, and artistic skill intertwine.