Study 1906

Anders Zorn made this drawing called Study with graphite on paper. Look at the hatching in the coat, it’s like the movement of water! The graphite is layered so delicately, it’s almost like he’s knitting the image together, row by row. The drawing feels so raw, so process-oriented. You can see the artist figuring it out as he goes. It's like watching a thought take shape on the page. The texture of the paper peeks through the graphite, giving it a kind of living quality. I’m really drawn to the way he’s handled the beard. Each stroke feels intentional, yet loose and free. You can almost feel the softness of the hair. I guess that might be the reason it reminds me of some drawings by Sargent, who had a similar ability to capture light and form with such economy and grace. Ultimately, it’s just so great to see an artist like Zorn grappling with the fundamentals. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, an exploration, and a journey without a fixed destination.