The Well-Loved Mother 1765

Jean-Baptiste Greuze made this portrait of a woman with chalk, a humble material that here captures the luminosity of skin. Greuze wasn't unique in using chalk. What sets this drawing apart is the way the artist has made visible the labor of art. See how the marks build up the form. Look at how the hatched lines define the shape of her face, and the smudges create the illusion of volume. He is showing you how the picture was constructed, layer by layer. This directness mirrors Greuze's interest in depicting everyday life and genuine emotion, and reminds us of the connection between the artist's hand, the materials, and the human subject. By highlighting the process, Greuze brings a sense of authenticity to the work, emphasizing the value of both the sitter and the means of production. The work challenges distinctions between fine art and craft, drawing attention to the skill and labor involved in artmaking.