Autorretrato 1895

Antonio de La Gándara created this self-portrait, Autorretrato, using pencil or charcoal on paper. The choice of medium is significant. Unlike oil paint, favored by the Academy for its permanence and association with wealth, here we see a more immediate, accessible technique. The softness of the charcoal allows for subtle gradations of tone, capturing the artist's likeness with nuanced detail. It speaks to a certain kind of modern sensibility; the paper support and drawing implement are inexpensive. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke, a reminder of the labor involved in creating the image. This close relationship between the artist and the medium reflects a broader shift towards valuing the individual's creative expression. By emphasizing the material and the act of making, this self-portrait invites us to reconsider traditional hierarchies between art and craft, highlighting the skill and artistry inherent in the draughtsman's practice.