Female nude study 

Edward Burne-Jones created this "Female Nude Study" using chalk on paper in the late 19th century. The medium itself - chalk - allows for a soft, blended effect, which Burne-Jones uses to create a delicate, almost ethereal depiction of the female form. The strokes are visible, giving a sense of the artist's process and the hand-made quality of the work. The choice of chalk, a relatively accessible material, contrasts with the classical subject matter, reminding us that even idealized forms must be grounded in the physical act of creation. Moreover, this drawing acts as a study, an act of the hand by the artist himself. The labor involved in the production of such studies highlights the dedication and skill required to master the art of representation, while blurring the lines between fine art and craft.