Peasant c. 19th century

Camille Pissarro sketched this study of a peasant using graphite on paper. Graphite, a readily available material, allows for quick and immediate marks, ideal for capturing fleeting moments or initial ideas. Here, Pissarro uses the inherent qualities of graphite – its softness and ability to create subtle gradations of tone – to suggest form and texture. The strokes are loose and expressive, giving the figure a sense of movement and life, imbuing the work with social significance by elevating an everyday subject to the realm of art. Pissarro engages with a skilled tradition of drawing, using simple tools to convey complex ideas about labor, class, and representation. The amount of work involved in the production process is evident in the careful observation and skillful rendering of the figure. The drawing challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. It emphasizes the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of the artwork.