Ceres c. 1701

Jacob Toorenvliet created this drawing of Ceres using graphite on paper. What might seem like a simple sketch actually reveals much about artistic labor and the social status of image-making. The artist's hand is evident in the varying pressure of the graphite, creating depth and shadow. The choice of graphite, a relatively inexpensive material, is significant. Graphite allowed for quick, preparatory studies and sketches, essential for artists working on commission. This drawing likely served as a study for a larger painting, reflecting the workshop practices common in the art world at the time. Assistants would often prepare these initial sketches, allowing the master artist to focus on the more prestigious, final work. The use of graphite on paper, combined with the subject matter, highlights the complex relationship between labor, artistic skill, and the market for art in Toorenvliet's time. It invites us to consider the many hands and processes involved in creating even a seemingly simple image.