Portret van George Still 1809 - 1899

S. Rosenthal made this portrait of George Still as a pencil drawing. Think about the act of drawing itself. The artist skillfully applied graphite to paper, building tone gradually. The cross-hatching of fine lines creates depth and volume on an otherwise flat surface. Pencil allows for a delicate touch, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow, as well as minute crisp details. It would have demanded time, control, and practice. Before photography became commonplace, portraits like this were a popular means of memorializing or representing individuals. Drawing could be considered a craft, with its own traditions, techniques, and history that extend beyond fine art. The amount of work and skill involved in the production process challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft.