Portret van een man met een boek in zijn handen 1627 - 1687

This sketch of a man holding a book was made by Matthys van den Bergh in the 17th century. The artist used graphite on paper. These are commonplace materials, yet their inherent qualities enable the capture of fleeting observations. The grainy texture of the paper, combined with the dry quality of graphite, results in the delicate lines and subtle gradations of tone which give the drawing its distinctive character. You can see how Bergh uses the side of the graphite to build shadows, and its tip to render sharp details. The visible, almost hasty, strokes, give us insight into the artist's working process, while also suggesting an immediacy to this portrait. Consider how the inherent qualities of simple materials like paper and graphite – their accessibility and responsiveness – play a crucial role in the creation of this kind of work. It's a reminder that even the simplest materials can be imbued with artistic intention and skill.