Hundehoved 1910

G. A. Clemens made this head of a dog in 1910, using graphite on paper. It’s a traditional material, of course, but that doesn't make the drawing straightforward. Look closely, and you'll see how the material itself – the soft, almost greasy quality of graphite – has been exploited to create an image of an animal with soft fur. The artist clearly delights in the sensuous possibilities of the medium, capturing the texture and weight of the dog's coat. The dog looks as though it would be very soft to touch. Yet the drawing is also clearly the product of many hours of patient labor. The artist has built up the image through countless tiny strokes, each one carefully placed to create a sense of volume and depth. In this way, Clemens elevates a humble material through skillful application, blurring the lines between craft and fine art. It also prompts consideration of the labor and artistic skill involved.