Study for the head of `Oedipus 1860

This is Gustave Moreau’s Study for the Head of Oedipus, made in the 19th century with pencil. Moreau’s choice of such a common medium speaks volumes. Pencil, a humble material born from graphite and wood, makes this study accessible, almost democratic. Look closely, and you’ll see the varying pressure of Moreau’s hand, the delicate dance between light and shadow that brings Oedipus to life. The artist used hatching and cross-hatching techniques to build up tone and texture. But pencil wasn’t just a practical choice; it was a conscious one. In an era of industrialization, Moreau embraced the hand-drawn line, asserting the value of individual skill. The time and labor invested in this drawing are evident in every stroke. It's a reminder of the artist's hand, mind, and eye at work, deliberately removed from the rapid pace of mass production. So, when you look at this drawing, remember that the material matters. It’s not just about what is depicted, but how it was made, and what that process tells us about the artist and his world.