Waiting for a Carriage c. 1895

John Marin captured this scene with graphite on paper, using quick, gestural lines. The light touch emphasizes the fleeting moment of ‘Waiting for a Carriage.’ Marin’s choice of materials and technique is telling. Graphite, a humble substance, allowed for rapid sketching, ideal for capturing the dynamism of urban life. The visible, energetic strokes emphasize the artist's process, rather than aiming for a polished, finished look. We can see the artist’s hand at work. The sketch also provides a glimpse into the social context of the time. Carriages, symbols of wealth and status, transport figures, evoking a sense of urban hustle. The artist captures a specific moment in society, observing the infrastructure of urban life, the labor of drivers and horses, and the privilege of carriage riders. Marin elevates the everyday into art. The emphasis on the artist's process invites us to appreciate the skill involved and how even a simple sketch can capture a moment in time.