Zittende hond 1777

This sketch of a seated dog was made by Cornelis Brouwer sometime in the 18th century, using graphite on paper. The apparent simplicity of the graphite medium belies its importance in art history; this humble material is fundamental to the creative process. Here, you can see a fairly quick study, a glimpse into the artist's practice. It looks like the artist made a correction, using a separate piece of paper at the upper part of the drawing. The drawing brings attention to the contrast between the dog's shaggy hair and its more solid form, using the pencil to its full potential. The sketch has a light touch, with graphite allowing for a range of tonal values and textures. The use of graphite as a primary artistic medium reflects a shift towards more direct and accessible forms of art making. It is a reminder that artistic expression can be found in the simplest of materials and techniques, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes high art.