Study of Bay Leaves before 1898

Henry Ryland made this study of bay leaves, using graphite on paper. It's a simple combination of materials, but look closely and you'll see the artist's skill in rendering each leaf with subtle gradations of tone. The weight of the graphite allows for this detailed depiction, creating a sense of depth and volume. Ryland was clearly interested in the natural world, but he also engaged in the craft traditions of drawing. This detailed study speaks to his interest in botanical illustration, a practice with a long history of scientific and artistic significance. The processes of drawing, especially the close observation it entails, invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of everyday objects. It challenges the hierarchy that places painting above drawing, or art above craft, and reminds us that value can be found in both the subject and the skill of execution.