Halbfigur eines Knaben im Profil nach links 

Philipp Veit rendered this profile of a boy in the early 19th century, using graphite on paper. The artist’s choice of material is significant. Graphite pencils were becoming increasingly standardized at this time, due to innovations in manufacturing. Here, the softness of the graphite allows for a subtle range of tonal values, particularly noticeable in the boy's curly hair and the gentle contours of his face. The artist uses delicate lines to capture the light and shadow, giving the portrait a sense of depth and volume. This work is, in essence, a celebration of line. Veit’s method of production, using graphite, and the sheer amount of labor involved in creating the image, underscores the complex relationship between art, industry, and the rise of modern artistic practice. Appreciating the material qualities and production of this work allows us to look beyond its surface and consider how it's embedded in a broader historical context.