Lying boy 1664

Cornelis Saftleven made this drawing of a Lying Boy with graphite on paper sometime in the 17th century. Saftleven’s choice of graphite is interesting here; it is a relatively accessible material that allows for detailed and expressive lines with tonal gradations. The way the artist works with it, rubbing the graphite into the paper, gives a rich texture to the image. The process of drawing allows Saftleven to capture a momentary pose, the boy’s state of repose. It invites consideration of the everyday lives of ordinary people. The way this artwork emphasizes the dignity of labor through the image of a working-class boy, blurs the lines between the fine arts, and the realities of life. It prompts us to think about the social context in which art is made and consumed. In the end, this drawing reminds us of the value of materials, making, and context in our understanding of the history of art.