Studies c. 1840 - 1843

This is a study page by Sybrand Altmann, made with paper and graphite, likely in the mid-19th century. The page shows signs of age, with visible foxing and a patina that speaks to its history. Altmann's choice of graphite is interesting. It's a readily available material, relatively inexpensive, and easy to work with. The marks left behind are subdued, almost ghostly, as if capturing fleeting thoughts or preliminary sketches. Graphite has a directness that invites experimentation and revision, reflecting a process-oriented approach. The layered marks demonstrate a slow, methodical working process. In its simplicity and unassuming nature, this page challenges traditional notions of artistic value and the grand narratives of fine art. It reminds us that creativity can be found in the everyday, and that even the humblest materials can hold profound meaning. It elevates the status of craft, and reveals the intimate connection between artist, material, and the act of making.