Bust of a young lady 1857 - 1858

Mariano Fortuny Marsal made this bust of a young lady using graphite on paper. The grainy texture of the paper, combined with the layering of graphite, create a soft, almost dreamlike quality. Fortuny Marsal’s technique involves building up tone through hatching, where closely spaced parallel lines are drawn to create areas of shading. Look closely and you’ll see how this method lends a sense of volume to the figure, particularly in the folds of her dress and the contours of her face. It is important to remember that this technique can be laborious, requiring patience and precision. Yet, it results in a finished piece that feels both immediate and timeless, revealing the artist's intimate engagement with his subject. Understanding the materials and processes involved gives us a greater appreciation of the artist's skill, and enriches our engagement with the artwork.