The Hand of Poussin, after Ingres 1875 - 1877

Georges Seurat made "The Hand of Poussin, after Ingres" using graphite on paper. The artist's choice of material influences the artwork's appearance. Graphite, known for its softness, allows for subtle gradations in tone and texture, crucial in capturing the hand's delicate form. Seurat's drawing embodies a skilled tradition. The medium of graphite is humble, yet the artist coaxes remarkable depth from it, demonstrating virtuosity through precise linework. Notice the social context within which this drawing was made: Seurat was self-consciously positioning himself in a lineage of artistic masters, going back to Poussin and Ingres. The labor involved in this production is evident in the careful rendering of anatomical detail. Through understanding the artwork’s materials, making, and context, we can fully appreciate its meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.