Stehender bärtiger Mann mit Buch 

Editor: So, we have "Standing Bearded Man with Book", a red chalk drawing by Cornelis van den Berg. There's a lovely fluidity in the lines and you can really see the textures, even without color. What strikes you about the materiality of this artwork? Curator: I'm fascinated by the artist’s choice of red chalk. Its accessibility likely democratized art production. Red chalk was relatively inexpensive compared to other drawing materials, inviting wider participation beyond traditional atelier systems, wasn’t it? Editor: I suppose so. Do you think it impacted the artist's decision making? Curator: Absolutely. Red chalk offers a unique tactile experience; softer, blendable. It could have led to a looser, more immediate style compared to ink or graphite, making preparatory sketches or studies faster and cheaper to produce. How does the texture seem in person? Does it imply speed of creation? Editor: I see what you mean! There's definitely a sketch-like quality. Considering this likely isn’t a commissioned piece, it would seem the economic aspect affected van den Berg's artistic choice, no? Curator: Precisely! The selection and exploitation of humble materials subtly disrupts assumptions of 'high' and 'low' art. Red chalk was associated with immediacy, the quick sketch; van den Berg elevates its artistic purpose through thoughtful rendering. The artwork invites viewers to re-evaluate values and labor involved in artistic practice. Editor: I've definitely gained a different perspective on something as simple as choosing a drawing medium. It's more than just aesthetics, isn't it? Curator: Indeed. Every material decision echoes with economic realities and social values of its time, reshaping our understanding.