Portret van Cornelis Apostool 1814 - 1882

This portrait of Cornelis Apostool was made with graphite on paper by Elisabeth Barbara Schmetterling. The drawing's success depends entirely on the artist’s sensitive manipulation of graphite. Look closely, and you will see the variations in tone and texture. Schmetterling coaxes a wide range of effects from a humble material, from soft shadows to sharply defined lines. The very act of repeatedly passing graphite across the page builds up the image. The artist’s labor becomes evident, not just in the likeness achieved, but in the modulation of surfaces, the depth of tone, and the control of line. It also emphasizes the sitter's own achievement, as a man of status in the Netherlands. Graphite is a relatively accessible material, and the artist has demonstrated exceptional skill and sensitivity. This underscores the importance of skill, practice, and careful observation, regardless of the medium.