Mr Thomas Hardy [Part I] 1897

Editor: Here we have William Rothenstein's sketch of "Mr Thomas Hardy [Part I]." It appears to be a pencil drawing. I’m curious about the visible, almost frantic, lines. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The quick, visible marks highlight the labor involved. Rothenstein's process is laid bare, a direct engagement with the materiality of pencil and paper. Consider the social context: was this speed a reflection of economic pressures, or a deliberate aesthetic choice? Editor: Interesting, I hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks for that insight. Curator: Examining the means of production recontextualizes our understanding of artistic value.