Studieblad met twee koppen 1705 - 1754

This study of two heads was made by Jacob de Wit using graphite on paper. De Wit’s reliance on graphite, a relatively unassuming material, prompts us to consider the drawing's purpose and the labor involved. Graphite, easily erasable and readily available, was ideal for preparatory sketches. Looking closely, you can see how the artist has used the material to capture the texture of skin, hair and the helmet. The relative softness of the material allowed for quick, gestural marks and tonal variation. This gives the drawing a dynamic, exploratory quality. The study was likely made in preparation for a larger painting. By understanding the materials and techniques employed by De Wit, we gain insight into his artistic process. This in turn highlights the skilled work that lies beneath the surface of even the most polished and seemingly effortless finished artwork.