Jane Morris 1870

This is a drawing of Jane Morris by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, made using graphite on paper. A seemingly simple medium, but one freighted with social context. Think of graphite itself, mined in places like Keswick in England, from the 16th century onwards, and then refined into pencils. These became indispensable tools for artists and designers. Rossetti's masterful use of graphite allows for a subtle modulation of light and shadow, capturing the sitter's enigmatic expression. The choice of drawing, rather than painting, might reflect a desire for intimacy and directness, circumventing the elaborate studio practices often associated with oil painting. The very act of drawing becomes a testament to human skill, and a form of labor in itself, emphasizing the value of individual expression. So, when you look at this drawing, consider the journey of the materials and the hand that brought them to life. It blurs the lines between fine art and craft.