Portrait of a Woman 

Hans Holbein the Younger sketched this portrait of a woman, perhaps Anne Boleyn, using chalk and ink on paper. The soft, granular quality of the chalk allowed Holbein to achieve subtle gradations of tone, capturing the delicate features and elegant bearing of the sitter. The use of ink for outlines and finer details adds precision to the drawing. Paper was becoming more widely available at the time, but its quality varied. The texture of the paper itself influences the overall appearance of the portrait. Holbein was a master of capturing likeness and character, but the materials themselves contribute to the artwork's impact. Chalk and ink, relatively accessible materials, were skillfully employed to create a lasting image of a royal figure. This portrait challenges traditional hierarchies by elevating drawing, often seen as preparatory, to a finished work of art. It underscores the importance of considering materials and making when interpreting an artwork's meaning.