Hoofd van een man, naar links 1840 - 1907

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans made this head study with pen in brown and brush in gray on paper. This method would have allowed Crans to quickly capture the essence of his subject. The material qualities speak to the tradition of sketching and preparatory studies for larger works, but also of the value in its own right. The visible strokes and washes of color, reveal the artist's hand and the speed of the process, with economical lines delineating the contours of the head and suggesting volume through shadow. The monochrome palette focuses attention on form and expression, the tonal variations achieved through layering suggesting an interest in light and shadow. The efficiency and accessibility of pen and ink are crucial here. This was a means of image production available across class lines, requiring only basic literacy and manual skill. This economy and simplicity invites us to consider the role of drawing in democratizing artistic expression.