Female Head 1600 - 1700

This drawing, "Female Head," at the Met, was made anonymously using a reddish-brown chalk, a material that lends itself to soft contours and subtle gradations of tone. The drawing’s appearance is very much influenced by the inherent qualities of the chalk. Notice how the artist uses the chalk to build up the form through layers of delicate strokes. The texture of the chalk on the paper creates a sense of depth and volume. It gives a warmth to the sitter's skin and brings her hair alive. Techniques of drawing, like those used here, have a long history of creative practices. The process involves an intimate connection between the artist's hand, the material, and the surface. The amount of work involved is evident in the careful rendering of details. When we consider the materials, the making, and the cultural context, we can see how even a simple drawing challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.