Study of a Man 

George Harvey made this “Study of a Man” using watercolor on paper, with loose strokes. It is, in essence, a study of the effects of light on skin. Harvey’s choice of medium is significant. Watercolor was often used for preparatory sketches, allowing for quick and transparent applications of color. Yet here, the watercolor takes on its own life, becoming the very subject of the piece. The medium is not just a means to an end, but a way of revealing light and shadow. The artist's approach seems to mimic the fleeting nature of observation. The study remains unfinished, with only a few details brought to completion. This invites us to reflect on the role of labor and the artist's hand in shaping our perceptions of the world. It challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, by drawing attention to the processes and materials that underpin even the most seemingly effortless creations.