Girl on a Drawing Table 1978

Eric Fischl created this work by drawing on vellum, a translucent material typically made from calf skin. More recently, it can also refer to a type of translucent paper. The choice of vellum influences the appearance of the artwork. The medium itself is light in weight and translucent, which can give the figures drawn on it an ethereal, almost ghostly quality. Fischl’s process involves not only the skilled act of drawing, but also a keen understanding of materials and their ability to evoke complex meanings. The scenes are made up of multiple sheets that layer over each other, bringing together related perspectives. This emphasis on materials, making, and context invites viewers to look beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and to appreciate the work's multifaceted nature. It encourages us to consider the amount of human effort that goes into production, and how it is tied to wider social issues.