Zelfportret 1821 - 1869

Charles Augustin Wauters created this self-portrait using graphite pencil on paper. The softness of the graphite lends itself well to the delicate modeling of the artist’s features. You can see this particularly in the subtle gradations of tone that define his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose. Graphite is a readily available material, and its use speaks to the immediacy and accessibility of drawing as a medium. It allows for a direct connection between the artist’s hand and the paper, capturing a fleeting moment of self-reflection. The seemingly simple act of putting pencil to paper involves skilled hand-eye coordination, control, and an understanding of light and shadow. By embracing a humble material like graphite, and a process of linear transcription, Wauters demonstrates how an artist can produce work that conveys depth and emotion. This piece invites us to reconsider the value we place on different artistic practices.