Studie 1865 - 1913

This is a graphite "Studie" made by Bramine Hubrecht in the late 19th century, which uses one of art's most fundamental materials: pencil on paper. The magic is in the artist's hand, guiding the graphite to create a range of tones from nearly imperceptible to solid grey. The very qualities of the material influence the appearance of the artwork. Graphite, a form of carbon, leaves a delicate trace, but can also build up to create dense areas of shadow. The tooth of the paper, its subtle texture, interacts with the graphite, influencing the marks left behind. Notice how Hubrecht uses these inherent qualities to evoke light and form. Although seemingly simple, this "Studie" reflects a profound engagement with the materials, tools, and skilled traditions. It challenges us to look beyond the subject matter and appreciate the labor, the artistic choices, and the inherent qualities of the humblest of materials, and recognize that the art in "fine art" is not so far removed from that of "craft".