Studie van twee handen 1627 - 1655

This drawing of two hands was made by Eustache Lesueur, probably in the mid-17th century, using black chalk heightened with white, on grey paper. A drawing like this really puts the making of an artwork in the spotlight. Lesueur’s choice of chalk is interesting. It's a relatively direct medium, meaning there's not much between the artist's hand and the mark made on the paper. You can see the texture of the chalk strokes, and the way he's layered them to build up tone and volume. The grey paper acts as a middle ground, allowing him to create highlights with white chalk. Looking at this study, we might also reflect on what these hands were for. Lesueur would have spent countless hours honing his skill, each drawing a form of labor in itself, with the aim of producing exquisite art. A drawing like this highlights the relationship between skilled handwork and artistic vision. It reminds us that art is not just about ideas, but also about the physical process of making.