Increase Robinson 1932

This is a drawing, Increase Robinson, by Ivan Albright, looks like it’s made with charcoal, or maybe graphite. It's fascinating how Albright uses these marks to build up the form. You know, it’s not just about outlining a shape, but really feeling the weight of it, the texture of the skin, the way the light catches the fabric. It's like he’s trying to capture not just what she looks like, but also something about her presence, her being. Look at her hands, how he's rendered the folds of skin. There’s a real sense of volume. And the way he’s used the charcoal—smudging, erasing, layering—it all contributes to this feeling of depth and complexity. It's like he’s digging into the surface, trying to uncover something hidden beneath. Looking at this piece I’m reminded of Lucian Freud, in the way he digs into flesh.