Silence 1890

Fernand Khnopff made this work, Silence, using pastel on paper. Pastels have a fascinating place in the history of art. Think of them as halfway between drawing and painting. They offer a velvety texture. The artist could build up layers of color, by hand, and work them into the surface of the paper. Note how Khnopff has used the pastel medium to create a hazy atmosphere around the figure. The colors are soft and muted, creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity. There is a gentleness in the work that reflects the artist's skill, his intimate touch. Materials, making, and context are crucial to understanding the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.