Portret van H.K.J. Schoor Possibly 1866

Johann Peter Berghaus made this portrait of H.K.J. Schoor with graphite and perhaps some chalk, sometime in the mid-19th century. Berghaus has used careful hatching and cross-hatching to give the image form and depth. The texture of the paper influences the character of the marks, and by extension, the appearance of the sitter, imbuing a softness and warmth not necessarily found in other forms of portraiture. The details of Schoor's clothing are rendered with precision. The labor involved in creating such a detailed drawing is considerable. Graphite, a relatively common material, is here elevated through skillful manipulation. This challenges us to reconsider the value we place on different artistic mediums, and to appreciate the skill and effort required to produce such a work. Ultimately, it asks us to look beyond the surface and consider the labor and materials that underpin it.