Mrs. West and Daughter Playing Catch 

Benjamin West made this drawing of Mrs. West and daughter playing catch sometime between 1738 and 1820. Here, West’s use of pencil and paper is quite traditional, though the artist would have certainly been using industrially produced materials, reflecting a broader shift toward mechanized manufacturing at the time. Notice the artist's quick and loose strokes that have captured the figures in an intimate moment. The texture of the paper influences the overall appearance of the drawing, adding a slight roughness and depth to the lines. The simplicity of the materials and process allows West to focus on capturing the essence of the scene, emphasizing the relationship between mother and daughter. By focusing on the simplicity of materials, making, and context, we can appreciate West's work not only as a fine art drawing but also as a reflection of broader social and cultural dynamics during his time.