Vrouw met de hand voor de borst 1710 - 1772

Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot created this sketch of a woman with sanguine chalk on paper sometime in the 18th century. Sanguine chalk is made with iron oxide pigment and clay, giving it a warm, earthy tone that was favored for its resemblance to human skin. The artist captures light and shadow with quick, assured strokes. See how the texture of the chalk lends itself to the softness of the woman's features and the delicate fabric of her dress. Drawing was a fundamental skill for artists of this period, and sanguine chalk allowed for both detailed studies and more expressive sketches. The medium was closely associated with academic training, used for life drawing and anatomical studies. By focusing on the material and process, we recognize the skill involved in bringing the figure to life. This challenges our conventional ideas of what constitutes a finished, resolved work of art.