Portret van Hendrik Nobbe, waterbaljuw 1752 - 1823

This portrait of Hendrik Nobbe, a water baliff, was made by Johannes Cornelis Mertens using graphite on paper. Mertens's choice of graphite, a readily available material, underscores a connection to the everyday. The subtle gradations of tone achieved with graphite create a lifelike quality, emphasizing the subject's features and the textures of his clothing. Note the hatching in the face, and the very soft treatment of the hair. The artist is working with the properties of the graphite, as well as those of the paper he’s chosen. The drawing's small size allows for a close, intimate viewing experience, inviting contemplation on the subject's character and social standing. By focusing on the inherent qualities of graphite and paper, Mertens elevates the humble materials into a sophisticated portrait that blurs the boundaries between craft and fine art.