Etude d’un pied droit, et du profil d’un nez et d’une bouche 

This is Narcisse-Virgilio Diaz's study of a right foot, along with a nose and mouth, rendered in sanguine chalk. Chalk is an interesting medium; it lies between drawing and painting and has a directness that invites an immediate connection to the artist's hand. The choice of sanguine, or red chalk, is notable. Its earthy tone gives the sketch a warm, lifelike quality, mimicking the natural hues of skin. You can almost feel the artist's hand moving across the paper, capturing the subtle curves and contours of the foot and facial features. The grainy texture of the chalk lends a softness to the lines, creating a sense of depth and volume despite the sketch's simplicity. Drawings like this have often been considered secondary to painting or sculpture, but I would argue that their directness and intimacy offer a unique insight into the artist's process. It highlights the skill and labor involved in translating the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. It challenges the traditional hierarchy that elevates the finished artwork over the preliminary study, inviting us to appreciate the inherent value and beauty of the artist's craft.