Portrait of a Boy 1720 - 1775

Georg Friedrich Schmidt created this "Portrait of a Boy" using chalk on paper. It's not just any paper, but likely handmade, with a texture that grabs the chalk in such a way that the drawing feels almost velvety. Schmidt wasn't just sketching; he was deeply engaged with the craft of portraiture, a practice with its own traditions and social meanings. Chalk allowed for quick, expressive lines, but also demanded control, as each mark is permanent. The shading, achieved through careful layering, gives the boy's face a soft, almost dreamlike quality. Consider the labor involved in creating paper, mixing chalk, and the artist's countless hours perfecting his technique. This wasn't mass production; each stroke was deliberate, imbued with the artist's skill and the sitter's presence. The boy's pose, with his head resting on his hand, suggests a moment of contemplation. Schmidt's art invites us to consider the value of skilled handwork and the stories behind the art object.