Staande man met pet c. 1856 - 1861

Cornelis Springer made this sketch, ‘Staaande man met pet’, using graphite on paper. Graphite is a fascinating material. It is a form of carbon, the same stuff as diamonds, but arranged in a way that makes it soft and easily marking. That's why it's perfect for pencils! Looking closely, you can see the individual strokes of the graphite, how Springer used pressure and angle to create darker and lighter areas, giving form to the man's figure. The tooth of the paper also plays a role, catching the graphite and creating a slightly textured surface. The immediacy of sketching allows for a direct connection between the artist's eye, hand, and the subject. It's a process of observation and translation, capturing a fleeting moment in a permanent form. In this way, the labor involved, although minimal, has an important impact on the composition. By valuing the materials and the making process, we can appreciate the skill and intention behind this seemingly simple sketch, and recognize its place within the broader history of both fine art and craft.