Mademoiselle Mary de Borderieux 

This is a portrait of Mademoiselle Mary de Borderieux, made by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, in the 19th century, using graphite on paper. The drawing's material quality is all about refinement. Ingres was a master of line, and that's clear here. Notice how the graphite is used to create delicate gradations of tone, capturing the soft texture of the sitter's skin and the diaphanous quality of her veil. The drawing is made using traditional art materials, but with an incredible amount of technical skill. The attention to detail and the smooth finish reflect the values of academic art. Ingres was highly regarded in his time, receiving commissions from wealthy patrons who were part of the bourgeoisie. These portraits were status symbols that advertised the wealth and refinement of the sitters. Drawings like these required a tremendous amount of labor, and the production process has imbued it with cultural significance. It invites us to consider the social context in which it was made, and to think critically about the relationship between art, class, and consumption.