Kneeling woman 1787 - 1887

This drawing of a kneeling woman was made by an anonymous artist using graphite on paper. The texture of the paper itself is part of the story here; you can see it coming through the graphite in places. Notice the artist’s application of graphite, using thin, controlled lines to capture the subtle curves of the woman’s face and the folds of her clothing. The layering creates a sense of depth, and the weight of the graphite makes the subject look solid on the page. The paper and graphite are humble materials, but the artist's technique elevates them. We can imagine them carefully choosing the paper, testing the graphite, and carefully applying each stroke, using skilled traditions found in both fine art and craft. By focusing on the materials and processes, we can appreciate the work and skill that went into this drawing, challenging any distinction between fine art and craft.