Corinth before the Earthquake 

Muirhead Bone made this drawing of Corinth with graphite on paper. Notice how the pencil lines are used to define form and space, creating a sense of depth and distance in the composition. The choice of graphite as a medium is interesting, because it's a relatively inexpensive, readily available material. Its use here speaks to the artist's focus on capturing the essence of the scene in a direct and unpretentious way. The marks on the page reveal the artist's hand, each line and shading contributing to the overall atmosphere of the drawing. This immediate and accessible quality aligns with the broader social context of the time, when there was a growing interest in realism and everyday life. By focusing on the materials and processes used in creating this drawing, we can appreciate the artist's skill in transforming simple materials into a compelling work of art. It challenges us to consider how the choices artists make about materials and methods shape our understanding and appreciation of their work.