Leg of Standing Figure (recto); Sketch of Shoes (verso) n.d.

John Downman made this drawing of a leg and shoe with graphite on paper, but it’s far from a simple sketch. The medium itself is telling. Graphite, a relatively soft and versatile material, allows for subtle gradations in tone. This suggests Downman was interested in capturing the fall of light and shadow, giving the leg a sculptural, almost tangible presence. The choice of paper, with its slightly rough texture, also plays a role. It catches the graphite, creating a soft, velvety effect. You can almost feel the fabric of the stocking, the leather of the shoe. These were luxurious materials, reflecting the wealth and status of the sitter. But there’s also a sense of labor involved. Downman’s meticulous attention to detail, the delicate hatching and cross-hatching, speaks to the hours of careful observation and skilled handwork that went into creating this image. It’s a reminder that even a seemingly simple sketch can be a testament to the artist’s craft and the social world it inhabits.