Central figure of 'Stream of people' 1895

Pellizza da Volpedo created this drawing, Central figure of 'Stream of people', using pencil on paper. The artist's choice of such a humble medium immediately speaks to the image's theme of common humanity. Pencil, a tool accessible to many, becomes a powerful instrument for depicting the working class. The marks are not concealed. The textured strokes build up the image gradually, with lines that articulate form and volume. This allows us to witness the creative process, connecting us to the artist's hand and his deliberate act of observing and representing the figure. We get a sense of the man's labor, of the hours of work he has put in, and of the economic system that demands such effort. Da Volpedo has ennobled his subject matter with the careful attention to detail more commonly reserved for high subjects such as classical nudes, religious icons or powerful figures. By choosing to focus on a common man, he elevates both the individual and the class he represents. It reminds us of the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.