Studie til et mandsportræt, 3/4 figur 1625 - 1677

This drawing of a man was made by Heinrich Dittmers sometime in the 17th century, using graphite on paper. Although seemingly simple, the medium is very telling. Graphite is valued for its ability to leave marks on paper with minimal pressure; and the artist's hand guides the pencil with great precision, using delicate lines to capture the likeness of the subject, and the folds and creases of the garments. The softness of the graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating the impression of depth and volume. The use of graphite also speaks to a society where the production of paper and pencils had become industrialized, and made available to a wider range of artists. The qualities of graphite and paper contribute to the intimacy and immediacy of the portrait, inviting us to appreciate the artist's skill and the subject's presence. Appreciating the materials and techniques used in the creation of this drawing enhances our understanding of its historical and cultural context.