Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Johnson 1893

Anders Zorn made this pencil drawing of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Johnson in 1893. The quick, free marks, and the way Zorn leaves areas of the paper untouched, suggest that this wasn't a commissioned portrait, but a quick study. The very nature of pencil lends itself to immediacy. Graphite is easily manipulated; soft enough to leave a mark with the slightest pressure, yet capable of rendering deep, rich blacks when applied more forcefully. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up tone and volume, defining the forms of the sitters and describing the fall of light across their faces and clothing. Consider the social context of this drawing. In the late 19th century, the rise of industrial capitalism led to a growing middle class with disposable income. Artists like Zorn catered to this market, producing portraits and genre scenes that captured the spirit of the age. This seemingly simple drawing speaks volumes about the relationship between art, commerce, and social status in a rapidly changing world.