Dutchess of Alba 1959

Reuben Nakian’s Dutchess of Alba is made with ink on paper, a relatively simple pairing of materials, yet capable of striking effects. The fluidity of the ink is paramount here. Its tendency to bleed and spread has been exploited to the fullest. Note the economy of means, the thinness of the paper, the directness of the brushstrokes. Nakian doesn't belabor the image; he allows the ink to do its work, creating a sense of spontaneity. The image reads as a bullfight in motion, or perhaps a dancer—the Duchess herself. The washes of ink suggest movement and the interplay of light and shadow. By embracing the intrinsic qualities of ink and paper, Nakian elevates this work beyond mere representation. He engages in a dialogue with the materials, allowing them to contribute to the overall aesthetic. This piece challenges the traditional hierarchy that often separates drawing from the so-called ‘higher’ arts like painting or sculpture. It’s a reminder that true artistry lies not in the complexity of the materials, but in the artist’s ability to harness their inherent potential.