En lille siddende dreng 1773 - 1777

This is “En lille siddende dreng” by J.F. Clemens, made with red chalk on paper. The medium of red chalk lends itself to a warm, soft rendering of the subject, a seated boy holding a basket. Chalk, as a material, is interesting because it's so elemental – essentially just a rock, ground up and formed into a usable stick. It connects us directly to the earth, to the physical act of mark-making. You can see in this drawing how Clemens used the chalk to create subtle variations in tone and texture, giving the boy a sense of volume and presence. The hatching technique, where closely spaced parallel lines are used to build up shadow, is particularly evident. In its time, this kind of drawing would have been considered a study, a way for an artist to practice their skills and explore different compositions. It is a reminder that even seemingly simple works can be deeply rooted in material knowledge and technique. By focusing on the materials and processes used, we can appreciate the skill and artistry involved in creating this evocative image.