Model 

Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky drew this "Model" using pastels, a medium that offers a direct, tactile experience for the artist. Unlike oils, pastels don't require a brush; they're pure pigment, allowing for immediate blending and layering on the textured paper. The softness of the pastel medium is evident in the delicate rendering of the model's skin and hair. Makovsky coaxes the material to create subtle shifts in tone and shadow, resulting in an intimate study of the human form. The marks of creation are evident throughout the picture; the artist's hand is palpable as he coaxes the material to capture light and shadow. Though seemingly effortless, this artwork demonstrates a profound understanding of materials and their expressive potential. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between drawing and painting, elevating pastels to a medium capable of great depth and nuance.