The Jewels 

Edwin Austin Abbey made this sketch in graphite and wash on paper. The drawing appears spontaneous, with loosely sketched figures and landscape elements. The materiality of the medium itself contributes to the narrative, the immediacy of the graphite lines imbuing it with urgency. The artist's choice of materials is intriguing. Graphite, a relatively inexpensive material, is used in conjunction with wash. The wash technique gives depth and atmosphere, while simultaneously obscuring details, suggesting a world of secrets and hidden meanings. The lack of precision could be a commentary on the fleeting nature of wealth, or the moral ambiguity surrounding its pursuit. The swiftness of the sketch hints at the artist's perspective on the labor and time invested in accumulating wealth versus the speed at which it can be acquired through exploitation. Understanding the materials and methods used can provide insight into the artwork's cultural and social commentary.