Portret van een kale man met baard 1865 - 1913

Bramine Hubrecht made this portrait of a bald, bearded man using graphite pencil on paper. The texture of the paper influences the appearance of the drawing, providing a slightly rough surface that contrasts with the smoothness of the graphite. Hubrecht likely used a variety of pencil grades to achieve the different tones and textures in the portrait, from the light shading on the man's face to the darker, more defined lines of his beard. The density of the graphite creates depth and dimension, capturing the play of light and shadow on the man's features. While drawing is a traditional art form, the choice of graphite pencil as a medium also speaks to the growing industrialization of art supplies in the 19th century. Graphite pencils were becoming more widely available and affordable, making art more accessible to a broader range of people. Considering the materials, making, and context helps us appreciate the skill and artistry of this drawing.