Study for a portrait of a senator 1467 - 1633

This drawing, a study for a portrait of a senator, was made anonymously using graphite on paper. It's a traditional approach, using readily available materials. The artist’s hand is evident in every stroke. Graphite, in its essence, is a humble material, yet it can be used to capture subtle variations in tone and texture. Look at how the lines define the senator's robes, suggesting the weight and drape of the fabric, and how the shading models his face, conveying a sense of his presence and character. The marks on the paper also offer a glimpse into the working process, revealing a certain degree of labor in the creation of the image, and a visual record of the artist’s thinking. Paying attention to the materials and processes of art-making allows us to move beyond conventional definitions, and to consider the broader cultural and social contexts in which art is produced and consumed.