Head of an Old Man 

Alphonse Legros sketched this Head of an Old Man with graphite on paper. It might seem unremarkable at first glance. However, this drawing speaks volumes about the traditional art system, and Legros' place within it. The apparent simplicity of graphite belies its significance, and history. Graphite pencils, though now commonplace, underwent industrialization in the 19th century, becoming widely accessible. Legros, working in this period, would have been acutely aware of graphite’s potential, as a means of both accessible artistic expression, and economic production. The drawing's emphasis on line and tone showcases the inherent qualities of graphite, and its capacity for rendering depth and texture with minimal means. Legros’ choice of such a humble material, and the amount of work involved in translating a three-dimensional form onto a two-dimensional surface, speaks volumes. It elevates the study of an everyday subject to the realm of high art, blurring the boundaries between fine art and craft.