Studie voor Prometheus 1781

Jean Grandjean’s study for Prometheus is executed in black chalk, a medium prized for its ability to capture subtle gradations of tone, ideal for depicting the play of light and shadow across the human form. Look closely at the image, and notice the texture of the chalk on paper. The artist carefully builds up layers of shading to define the musculature of Prometheus, and the rocky landscape on which he lies. The use of chalk allowed Grandjean to achieve a level of detail and realism that would have been difficult to achieve with other drawing media. The choice of black chalk connects Grandjean to a long tradition of academic drawing, where mastery of form was considered essential for aspiring artists. But it also has a more direct connection to the subject matter. Prometheus was, after all, punished by the gods for bringing the gift of fire to mankind; the somber, earthen quality of black chalk seems particularly apt for a study of this tragic figure. Considering these elements of materials and process, this drawing serves as a reminder that art is never simply about what is depicted, but also about how it is made.