Girl c. 1874

This sketch, "Girl," was made by Winslow Homer, who lived from 1836 to 1910, using graphite on paper. The qualities of graphite – its powdery darkness and capacity to capture light – give this drawing its subtle power. Note how Homer uses the side of the graphite stick to create tone, especially in the girl's skirt and in the tree overhead. There’s a directness to the mark-making that gives immediacy to the work. The artist’s skill lies not only in his capacity to translate a three-dimensional form onto a two-dimensional plane, but also in the sheer amount of labor expended. Homer skillfully renders the textures of the girl's clothing. By emphasizing the materiality and the making of this work, we see its significance extending beyond a mere depiction, challenging traditional notions of high art and craft.