The Draftsman c. 1770s

Jean-Honoré Fragonard made this drawing, "The Draftsman," using graphite, a humble material that’s anything but simple. Look closely, and you’ll see how Fragonard coaxes depth and texture out of this modest material. The soft, grey tones create a sense of light filtering through the lush foliage. It’s a quick medium, perfect for capturing a fleeting moment, and we sense the artist’s hand moving rapidly across the page. But graphite is more than just a drawing tool. It is a mineral, mined from the earth and processed. The choice to use graphite speaks to a shift in artistic practice towards direct observation and recording of the world around us. This connects to broader social changes where capturing reality and individual expression became valued. Fragonard elevates the material. It’s a reminder that beauty and skill can transform even the simplest of materials. By paying attention to materials, making, and context, we can understand the social and cultural meanings behind the artwork.