Man met een pet Possibly 1874

This drawing was made by Cornelis Springer, likely in the mid-19th century, using graphite on paper. The artist has built up tone through hatching, a fairly traditional technique that depends on the skillful application of many fine lines. Notice the way he captures the different weights of fabric: the heavier drape of the coat, the light material of the cap, the dense weave of the trousers. It is a study of contrasts, and the artist shows mastery in his use of light and shadow to give shape to form. Drawings like these are easy to overlook, but they are essential to an understanding of art history. They remind us that a lot of creative labor goes into the making of any artwork, whether preparatory or an end in itself. By paying attention to materials and process, we can better appreciate the choices that artists make.