Portrait of Jane Morris 

Dante Gabriel Rossetti made this portrait of Jane Morris using graphite on paper. The softness of the graphite allows Rossetti to render Morris's features with great subtlety. The shading gives a sense of volume, particularly in her neck and hair. Notice how the texture of the paper itself contributes to the overall effect, creating a slightly grainy, almost dreamlike quality. Although seemingly simple, the medium of graphite carries its own cultural weight. By the 19th century, graphite pencils were widely produced, making drawing more accessible than ever before. Yet, Rossetti's masterful handling elevates this humble material to something quite special. The choice of such a widely available material complicates traditional distinctions between 'high' art and the everyday, reminding us that even the simplest materials can be used to create works of profound beauty and depth.