Cleric with Joined Hands c. 19th century

Isidore Pils’ ‘Cleric with Joined Hands’ is executed with graphite and chalk on paper. These are quite traditional art materials, and allow for the creation of tone and depth through layering and blending. Look closely at the image; the artist has focused on capturing the texture of the cleric’s robes, using lines and shading to create a sense of volume and form. The figure is rendered with a focus on light and shadow. There is a definite contrast between the dark lines defining the folds of the robes, and the subtle blending of the chalk highlighting the planes of the cleric’s body. Pils was trained in the French academic tradition, which valued drawing as a fundamental skill, and there’s a clear mastery of technique on display here. However, it's worth noting that this kind of skill was hard-won, requiring years of study and practice; the labor and dedication invested in the creative process are often overlooked when we consider finished artworks. So next time you look at a drawing, consider the hand that made it, and the hours of work behind it.