Graphite, a crystalline form of carbon, has been an essential tool for artists throughout history. It is the primary material used in pencils and allows for precise and delicate expressions in artworks. This article explores the historical significance, types, varieties, and applications of graphite as an art medium....
The Art Media Graphite
Graphite, a crystalline form of carbon, has been an essential tool for artists throughout history. It is the primary material used in pencils and allows for precise and delicate expressions in artworks. This article explores the historical significance, types, varieties, and applications of graphite as an art medium.
Historical Significance
Graphite was first discovered in Borrowdale, England, in 1565. Its unique properties, such as its softness and ability to leave a mark on various surfaces, made it an ideal material for artists. The first pencils were made by wrapping graphite sticks in string or sheepskin for stability.
Types and Varieties
There are three principal types of natural graphite: crystalline small flakes (or flake graphite), amorphous graphite, and lump graphite (or vein graphite). Crystalline small flakes occur as isolated, flat, plate-like particles with hexagonal edges if unbroken. Amorphous graphite is very fine flake graphite that is sometimes called amorphous. Lump graphite occurs in fissure veins or fractures and appears as massive platy intergrowths of fibrous or acicular crystalline aggregates.
Synthetic graphite (or artificial graphite) is a material consisting of graphitic carbon obtained by graphitizing non-graphitic carbon, chemical vapor deposition from hydrocarbons at temperatures above 2,500 K (2,230 °C), decomposition of thermally unstable carbides or by crystallizing from metal melts supersaturated with carbon.
Applications in Art
Graphite is primarily used in pencils and allows for a range of artistic expressions. It produces grey or black marks that are easily erased but otherwise resistant to moisture, most solvents, ultraviolet radiation, and natural aging. Graphite pencils are commonly used for sketching, drawing, and writing.
The Art of Pencil: A Journey Through Time and Technique provides a comprehensive overview of the historical significance and techniques of graphite as an art medium. The article highlights the versatility of pencils and their role in shaping the world of art.
Graphite Mining in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is the only country in the world to produce the purest form of graphite, vein graphite (also known as lump graphite), in commercial quantities. Graphite mining in Sri Lanka has occurred since the Dutch occupation of the country and currently accounts for less than 1% of the world's graphite production.
Graphite mining in Sri Lanka provides a detailed history of graphite mining in Sri Lanka, including its significance to the local economy and political landscape.
Conclusion
Graphite has been an essential tool for artists throughout history, allowing them to express their creativity with precision and delicacy. From the early sketches of Leonardo da Vinci to the modern-day masterpieces of graphite art, pencils have played a crucial role in shaping the world of art.
The Museum Georg Schäfer, Germany has an extensive collection of 19th-century paintings by artists from German-speaking countries, many of which were created using graphite as an art medium. The museum provides valuable insights into the historical significance and applications of graphite in art.
The Art of Pencil: A Journey Through Time and Technique,
Graphite mining in Sri Lanka, and
The Museum Georg Schäfer, Germany are essential resources for understanding the historical significance, types, varieties, and applications of graphite as an art medium.