Bisschop geknield voor Maria met Christus 1839

This drawing was made by Charles Onghena in the 19th century, using delicate lines of graphite on paper. The apparent simplicity of the medium belies the intricacy of the image. Look closely, and you'll see the ways in which Onghena's touch evokes the textures of fabric, the soft glow of light, and the solemnity of the scene. The work depicts a bishop kneeling before Mary and Christ, rendered with a precision that recalls earlier engravings, a popular and accessible printmaking technique used to disseminate images widely. In its own way, drawing is a similar kind of technology. Think of the labor required to make this image, the hand moving across the page to create a convincing likeness. It's a reminder that all images, even seemingly simple ones, are the product of considerable skill and effort, existing within a network of social and cultural values. So next time you encounter a drawing, take a moment to consider the materials, the making, and the context that give it meaning.