Studie van het naakte bovenlijf van een manfiguur 1864

Johannes van der Kellen created this study of a nude male torso using graphite. The artist's hand is evident in the subtle gradations of tone achieved through careful layering of graphite, giving the figure depth and volume. Although seemingly simple, graphite possesses unique material qualities. Its softness allows for a wide range of marks, from delicate lines to rich, dark shadows. Graphite, as a material, is tied to processes of extraction, refinement, and manufacturing. The transformation from raw mineral to drawing tool is a reminder of the labor and industrial systems. Consider the time and skill required to achieve such a refined rendering. Van der Kellen's expertise and the inherent qualities of graphite converge to create a powerful study of the human form. Recognizing the labor involved in art production challenges the traditional separation between craft and fine art, urging us to consider the social and economic contexts in which art is made.