Sankt Martin in Lorch am Rhein 25 - 1845

Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig sketched Sankt Martin in Lorch am Rhein using graphite on paper. The church is depicted with precision, rendered with careful observation and delicate lines, characteristic of architectural drawings. Ludwig seems less interested in the church as a holy building, and more interested in the architectural structure of the church. The texture of the paper also plays a role, as the tooth of the sheet grabs the graphite, lending a soft, diffused quality to the lines. Note that the production of graphite itself is tied to industrialization, the commodification of materials, and the artist's labor. Graphite pencils are a relatively affordable material, giving more people access to drawing and art making, compared to more expensive materials. Ultimately, Ludwig’s drawing provides insight into both the architectural skill of the church's design, and the socio-economic circumstances that shaped both the artist and the built environment he depicted. It challenges traditional notions of high art, inviting us to consider the relationship between artistic practice and the broader world.