Man met baard 1880

This drawing, "Man met baard," was created by Louis Apol using graphite on paper. The choice of graphite as a medium is significant; it’s a material that allows for quick, gestural marks, perfect for capturing a fleeting impression. The paper, too, plays a role: its smooth surface invites the graphite to glide, creating a sense of immediacy. Apol's technique is simple yet effective. He builds up the image with layers of hatching, using the graphite to create subtle gradations of tone. The marks are direct, almost rough, reflecting an urgency and the nature of sketches and preliminary drawings. The very act of drawing places this work within a rich tradition, one that stretches back centuries. Yet, by choosing such modest materials, Apol challenges the hierarchy between high art and humble craft. The simplicity of graphite and paper emphasizes the skill of the artist's hand, reminding us that even the most basic materials can be transformed into works of art.