Studies of a boy, figure, hands and feet, verso: Studies of clothes 

Noè Bordignon’s “Studies of a boy, figure, hands and feet, verso: Studies of clothes” was made with graphite on paper. The artist used the inherent qualities of the graphite to create various tones and textures. Bordignon engaged with skilled traditions of sketching and figure drawing, seen in academic studies for paintings and sculptures. He sought to capture the essence of form through observation and practice, a common process in the visual arts. Although the paper and graphite may seem simple, they are tied to wider social issues of labor and production. The making of paper and graphite involves industrial processes, from the cultivation of trees to the extraction and refinement of minerals. These materials are then transformed by skilled artisans into tools for creative expression, connecting the work to broader historical and economic contexts. The study of the material, making, and context allows us to understand the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.