Bardolphe n.d.

John Hamilton Mortimer made this drawing of Bardolph using pen and brown ink with graphite on cream laid paper in the late 1700s. Look closely, and you’ll see how Mortimer used the lines of the pen and the shading of the graphite to create a sense of form. He skillfully crafted the shapes and textures, from the soft feather in Bardolph’s cap, to the rough skin of his face, all by layering these lines. You can also see where the artist chose to leave areas untouched, allowing the cream color of the paper to create highlights and depth. Mortimer's attention to detail highlights the expressive possibilities of traditional materials. It also challenges any divide between fine art and craft. The true artistry of this work lies in the artist's ability to reveal character and emotion through the simple act of drawing.