The miniature painter Thomas Flatman, as a young man with long ringlets and a scarf tied in a bow around his neck 1651 - 1679

This is a drawing of Thomas Flatman as a young man, made by John Hayls using chalk on blue paper. Chalk is an interesting material. On the one hand, it is very basic, just ground stone. Yet it can be refined into a surprisingly versatile medium. Look closely, and you can see the range of textures Hayls achieves. From the soft shading of the face to the crisp lines of the hair, he coaxes the chalk to do his bidding. The blue paper also plays a role, providing a middle tone that allows the artist to suggest light and shadow with minimal strokes. Drawings like this were often preparatory studies for paintings. They show the artist working out the composition and details before committing to the final artwork. But they also demonstrate the artist’s skill, something that was increasingly valued in the expanding art market of the 17th century. So next time you see a chalk drawing, consider not just the image it depicts, but also the labor and skill that went into its making. It is a testament to the power of simple materials in the hands of a talented artist.