Bust of a Female (from Sketchbook) 1811 - 1893

Editor: Here we have John William Casilear’s "Bust of a Female (from Sketchbook)," a pencil drawing on paper from the 19th century. The woman seems quite elegant, though the drawing has an almost ephemeral quality. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: As a materialist, I immediately look to the conditions of its making. The very use of pencil and paper is key. During this era, such materials were increasingly available due to industrial processes, making drawing more accessible to a wider range of artists, not just the elite. This impacts labor. Were drawings considered sketches a "lesser" pursuit for artists compared to painting, and how did the act of creating 'throw away' works intersect with their overall art making? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about how the accessibility of materials changes the artistic landscape. Curator: Think about the sketchbook itself as a site of production. Who had access to sketchbooks, and for what purpose were they deployed? This sheet's survival might be due to the larger book form which lends it greater protection. Furthermore, notice the smooth surface of the paper, suggestive of higher quality. Who could afford such a luxury, and how does that influence the kind of art they were able to produce? Editor: So, even something that seems simple like a pencil sketch can reveal a lot about the social and economic context of its creation. Is it challenging that there's no definitive "finished" object, especially compared to painting or sculpture? Curator: Exactly. The lack of finish pushes us to consider the work as process rather than pure product. Pencil lines are visible, suggesting the artist’s hand, labor, and intentions. It makes us consider how "finish" impacts consumption, display, and economic potential. Editor: I see, it makes you consider who might buy and own it. Curator: Indeed! It changes our perception entirely. Considering it from this point of view, I notice more of the work overall! Editor: Thank you, I understand the work on a much deeper level!