Half-Length View of Female in Profile to Left (recto); Half-Length view of Figure in Three-Quarter Profile (verso) c. 17th century

Jacopo Confortini created this drawing of a female figure in the 17th century, using black chalk on tinted paper. Confortini wasn't interested in the flawless appearance of the figure. Instead, the chalk is applied with loose, gestural strokes, particularly noticeable in the hair and clothing. This technique allows the artist to suggest form and texture, rather than meticulously defining every detail. The tinted paper serves as a middle ground, from which the artist builds up the darker tones of the chalk, creating a sense of depth and volume. The seemingly effortless quality of the drawing is deceptive. Achieving this level of expressiveness with chalk requires a high degree of skill and control, honed through years of practice. While seemingly simple, the drawing is the result of considerable labor, and a deep understanding of the materials. Looking at the materials, and how it was made reminds us that drawing is as much about process as it is about the final image.