Oude heer met kalotje 

Therese Schwartze's 'Oude heer met kalotje'—or 'Old man with a cap'—is a drawing made with red chalk. This medium offered Schwartze the opportunity to achieve a rich, velvety texture on the page. Look at how the chalk is layered to build up the form of the man’s face and clothing. Consider also the choices of materials. Chalk is a relatively direct medium: there isn't any mixing of paints or complex processes involved in preparation. This immediacy suits Schwartze's naturalistic style, which is based on observation and likeness. The drawing has an earthiness, due to the rusty hues, which connects the work to the long history of drawing in the Western tradition. The quickness and simplicity of the medium belies the artist’s skill. Though the drawing appears effortless, the artist's deft handling of the chalk and keen eye for detail give the work a subtle power. Recognizing the material properties and skillful techniques can give us a deeper appreciation of Schwartze's artistry.