Elizabeth Siddal c. 1854

Dante Gabriel Rossetti made this drawing of Elizabeth Siddal with graphite on paper. Graphite, of course, comes from the earth. It is a relatively humble material, but capable of great subtlety in the hands of a skilled artist. Here, Rossetti uses the medium to create a soft, ethereal effect, characteristic of Pre-Raphaelite art. Notice how the varying pressure and density of the graphite lines create a sense of depth and volume. Rossetti coaxes a full tonal range from the graphite. The medium’s inherent qualities of texture and sheen contribute to the overall mood of the artwork. Graphite is easily accessible, allowing artists to quickly and efficiently capture their ideas. But beyond its utilitarian aspect, graphite can possess a delicate, almost ephemeral quality, perfectly suited to capturing the Pre-Raphaelite’s vision of beauty and emotion. Considering the care and attention to detail invested in this drawing, it’s clear that Rossetti regarded graphite as more than just a means to an end, he recognized its potential for artistic expression.