Woman sitting on a boulder 1662

Esaias Boursse created this drawing of a woman on paper, with graphite, sometime in the mid-17th century. The softness of graphite on paper allows for delicate gradations of tone, from the faintest whisper to deeper shadows. This is crucial to the image's success; the artist coaxes forth a powerful presence from such simple means. But let's also think about the paper itself. Handmade paper at this time was an incredibly precious commodity, made from pulped rags, a laborious process. The resulting sheets were valued for their strength and durability, yet also their receptivity to the artist's touch. So, the choice of materials speaks to the artist’s intention. Consider the labor involved, not only in the making of the paper, but also in the life of the sitter, the figures, and the structure in the background. Boursse's work blurs the lines between a quick sketch and something more considered, inviting us to look closely at the amount of work that goes into everything we see.