Study for Mars c. 1893

Elihu Vedder made this study for Mars using pencil and crayon on paper. In this design, Vedder’s god of war embodies classical ideals of strength and resolve, yet the drawing itself has a tentative, provisional quality, visible in the sketched lines to the left of the main figure. The labor of creating the drawing is visible in the hatching, smudging, and layering of tones. The gold background gives the image a sense of value, highlighting the subject's importance while accentuating the textures of the paper. In Vedder’s hands, the materials offer a direct route into the artist’s thinking. It is a glimpse into the creative process. It reminds us that even grand ideas are built from simple elements. The labor and skill involved in the production process add layers of meaning, challenging any assumed distinction between fine art and craft.