Portret van Pieter Plas 1840s

Michel Mourot created this portrait of Pieter Plas using graphite, a humble material that belies its potential for nuanced expression. Graphite, essentially the stuff of pencils, allows for the creation of subtle gradations of tone, and the capturing of fine details through delicate mark-making. Here, Mourot skillfully exploits these qualities to bring Plas to life. The artist carefully built up shadows to define Plas's features and clothing. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the paper itself contributing to the image. This combination of process and material gives the portrait an immediacy, almost as if we’re in the presence of a fleeting moment. The labor involved is evident in the density of the graphite, and the controlled handling of the medium. Ultimately, the success of the artwork reminds us that skillful execution, not precious materials, is the key to a compelling work of art.