The Three Graces and Putti; verso: Various Studies 1790 - 1844

Bertel Thorvaldsen rendered this sketch on paper using graphite, a medium allowing for quick, fluid lines. You can see the artist's initial ideas taking shape, as the graphite captures the immediacy of his creative process. The pencil is a tool that gives a wonderful sense of the hand, almost like a seismograph of the imagination. And in the late 18th and early 19th century, the availability and affordability of pencils changed the way that drawings were done. Before that, preparatory sketches would often be in ink or silverpoint. Thorvaldsen uses the soft, grey material to explore various compositions of classical figures, from the Three Graces to playful putti. Notice the textures achieved through different pressures and strokes, giving depth to the figures. This direct engagement with the material emphasizes the artist's skill in translating classical ideals into tangible forms. This sketch invites us to appreciate not just the final artwork, but also the journey of its creation.