Haan 1775 - 1833

This drawing of a rooster was made by Jean Bernard using red and black chalk. These are simple materials, but they can be used to create a striking effect. See how the artist has built up the form of the rooster with many short strokes of the chalk. The layering of the red and black gives the rooster a sense of depth and texture, almost as if we can feel the roughness of its feathers. You can see the artist's hand at work in the deliberate and controlled strokes. The rooster is a common subject in art, but Bernard's focus on the materiality of the drawing elevates it beyond a simple depiction. The chalk marks bring attention to the process of its making, reminding us that even a humble subject can become art through the skilled use of materials. This drawing challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry in the making.