Study for Christ as Mediator 1620 - 1670

Jean Daret made this small drawing, "Study for Christ as Mediator," sometime in the 17th century, using graphite on paper. The soft, yielding nature of graphite allows for subtle gradations of light and shadow, an atmospheric quality. Look closely, and you'll notice the delicate, almost smudged lines, creating a sense of movement and spiritual transcendence. It’s a study, a preliminary sketch, so the quickness of the medium is well-suited. Yet, despite its apparent simplicity, the drawing speaks to a complex history. Graphite, as a material, was becoming increasingly available during this period, mined and traded as a commodity. Daret harnesses its potential for expressive line work, indicative of the increasingly sophisticated trade in art materials during the 17th century. The drawing demonstrates how even a seemingly humble material like graphite can be used to convey profound religious themes and underscores the intersection of art, commerce, and spirituality in the early modern era.