Studies of a Recumbent Polar Bear 1903

John Macallan Swan made this drawing of a resting polar bear, a study, using white and black chalk on paper. Swan has used the qualities of chalk to great effect here. The soft, granular texture of the chalk allows him to create a convincing sense of the bear's fur, and the way it lies heavily on the ground. You can almost feel the weight of the animal. The choice of a toned paper also adds depth to the drawing, allowing the white chalk to pop and create highlights. Think about the relationship between this study, and the artist's intentions. Studies like this were often preparatory works, and this process shows us how the artist looked at the animal, focusing on its material reality. Was Swan planning a larger painting or sculpture? In any case, the drawing has an intrinsic value all of its own. It encourages us to value the work involved in the creative process, not just the finished result.