Representations created manually by an individual using the hand as the primary means of applying a medium to a surface, where the depiction includes the element of grasp or support of an object. As an instance, this could manifest as a sketch of a figure clutching a flower, or an illustration of a hand presenting a tool.
Such depictions possess intrinsic value stemming from their ability to communicate nuanced information regarding interaction, scale, and intent. Historically, these depictions have served as vital tools for communication, instruction, and artistic expression, predating and informing subsequent technological advancements in visual media. The act of manually rendering an object being held facilitates a deeper understanding of its form, function, and relationship to the human form.
The subsequent article will explore various techniques employed in creating these depictions, focusing on aspects such as composition, rendering, and the effective communication of the subject’s narrative through the use of line, value, and form.