Jan Veth created this delicate graphite portrait of Saar de Swart on paper. The artist has employed traditional drawing materials, using graphite to build up the image through subtle tonal variations and delicate lines. The way the graphite has been applied influences the appearance of the work, creating a soft and intimate portrayal of the sitter. We see the inherent qualities of the medium in the subtle gradations of tone and the textured surface of the paper. The use of graphite allows for fine details and delicate shading, capturing the likeness of the sitter with precision. Veth has engaged with traditional techniques of portraiture, using his skilled hand to capture a likeness. Although this is not an industrial material, consider the labor involved in making paper at the time. Ultimately, by emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context, we can understand the full meaning of an artwork.