Portret van een jong meisje 1861 - 1918

Thérèse Schwartze made this portrait of a young girl with graphite on paper. Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon, commonly used in pencils because it’s soft and leaves a mark when dragged across a surface. The drawing is built up through layers of shading, a process which gives depth and volume to the girl’s features and clothing. Notice the varying pressure of Schwartze’s hand as she moves the graphite across the paper. The darker lines define the contours of her face, while the lighter, smudged areas create shadows, adding dimensionality. Although seemingly simple, the choice of graphite on paper carries social significance. It speaks to the accessibility of art materials, diverging from the traditional association of painting with wealth and privilege. Graphite, easily sourced and widely available, democratized the practice of portraiture, making it possible for artists to capture likenesses without the expense of oil paints or other costly mediums. This seemingly modest drawing tool underscores the notion that artistic expression is not confined to luxurious materials.