Spoiled children 1903

Enrico Nardi made this drawing, Spoiled Children, with ink on paper. I love how the stark contrast of the ink creates a scene that feels both immediate and timeless. It’s a reminder that art-making is a process of layering, of building up meaning one mark at a time. The texture in this work is all about the cross-hatching, right? Look at how Nardi uses these tiny, precise lines to build up shadow and form, especially on the man’s jacket. It’s like he's weaving a little world with each stroke. And the emotional effect? That’s where it gets interesting. The density of the ink in the shadows makes the scene feel almost claustrophobic, heightening the tension of the moment. The way Nardi uses these stark contrasts reminds me a little of Kathe Kollwitz, another artist who knew how to make black and white sing. Art is a conversation, and Nardi is definitely adding something important to the mix. It's not about answers, it's about asking better questions, and doing it with style.