Idol 1886

Vincent van Gogh created this drawing, named 'Idol', using pencil on paper. The marks are applied in hatched lines, clearly showing the movement of the artist’s hand. The energy of the drawing resides in this frank display of labor. The lines create the volume of the figure, and emphasize the texture of its skin. A sense of the artist's engagement with his subject is apparent through these expressive marks. The drawing embodies a period in art history when close observation and meticulous rendering were highly valued skills. Van Gogh's approach, however, transcends mere technical exercise; he uses the pencil to explore form and to imbue the drawing with his personal, subjective experience. It's important to consider the amount of time and skill involved in creating this image. 'Idol' reminds us that what we often call "art" emerges from specific materials, a process, and an intention.