Liggende man 1840 - 1880

Johannes Tavenraat made this drawing, “Liggende man”, with graphite on paper sometime in the 19th century. This is a quick sketch, not a highly finished work. You can see how the pencil lines create a sense of form and volume, and the subtle shading defines the figure's posture. The material qualities of graphite, its softness and ability to create a range of tonal values, are key to the drawing's impact. Think about the ease with which a drawing like this can be made. Compared to a painting, or sculpture, it requires very little in the way of resources – just a pencil and a piece of paper. It is a democratic medium, available to anyone with the desire to create. Tavenraat captures a fleeting moment, a man at rest, with the simplest of means. Ultimately, this unassuming sketch reminds us that artistic expression doesn't always require elaborate materials or techniques. Sometimes, the most profound statements are made with the humblest of tools.