Bacchus among the muses c. 1868

Bonaventura Genelli made this drawing, "Bacchus among the muses," in the 19th century using graphite on paper. The grid is visible beneath the composition, a device used to transfer images from one surface to another, or enlarge them. The precision of the grid contrasts with the free-flowing lines of the figures, bringing together control with artistic expression. The material qualities of graphite—its soft, almost greasy texture and ability to create a wide range of tonal values—allows Genelli to describe forms with subtle gradations of light and shadow. It is a relatively inexpensive material, allowing artists to iterate on ideas and make preparatory studies. Drawing, especially with graphite, is not only about the final image but also the process of creating that image, a record of the artist's hand, and the decisions made. This piece invites us to consider the relationship between initial sketches and finalized artworks. It reminds us that every finished artwork begins with a process, a material, and a maker.