Portrait of a Seated Lady 1814

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres likely made this portrait with graphite on paper sometime in the early 19th century. The seeming simplicity of the sketch belies the skill involved in the execution. The subtle gradations achieved with graphite create delicate tonal shifts and a sense of depth. Notice how Ingres uses line weight to define the forms and capture the texture of the sitter's dress. Although this portrait is unfinished, the precision and control over the medium, and the skilled depiction of fabric, imbue the sitter with a sense of elegance and status. The quality of the paper itself would have been a factor, allowing the graphite to glide smoothly and evenly across the surface. Ingres’s drawing offers a direct connection to the hand of the artist, reminding us that even seemingly simple materials can be elevated through expertise. It is a testament to the enduring power of drawing as a fundamental artistic practice, and the significance of materials in elevating both craft and fine art.