Studie van een staande man met hoed onder de arm 17th century

This drawing of a standing man with hat under arm was made by an anonymous artist, using chalk on paper. The artist built up tone through the application of many tiny strokes. Notice how the chalk seems to float on the surface of the paper, creating soft shadows that give depth and form to the figure. The drawing is a study, focusing on the play of light and shadow on the man's clothing. We can see the loose handling of the chalk has allowed the artist to capture the textures of the fabric, from the smoothness of the jacket to the folds of the cloth he's holding. This kind of detailed observation was crucial in the training of artists in the period. This drawing provides valuable insight into artistic processes of the time, demonstrating the importance of careful observation and technical skill, challenging our traditional distinctions between art and craft.