Studie af hånd, knyttet om en stok 1625 - 1677

Heinrich Dittmers made this drawing of a hand gripping a stick sometime in the 17th century. He used black and white chalk on blue paper, a technique that creates subtle gradations of light and shadow. The choice of chalk is significant. Unlike pen and ink, which can produce sharp, precise lines, chalk lends itself to a more atmospheric, textural effect. You can see how Dittmers has exploited this quality, building up the form of the hand with layers of delicate strokes. The blue paper serves as a mid-tone, allowing him to suggest depth and volume with minimal means. This kind of study was typical academic practice at the time, where close observation of the human body, along with the practice of drawing, formed the foundation of an artist’s training. Consider the amount of focused attention, the hours of practice, that went into producing this seemingly simple image. It's a testament to the value placed on skilled handwork in the art world of the 1600s.