Kleine Scheidegg 1858 - 1859

Johannes Tavenraat made this sketch of Kleine Scheidegg using graphite on paper. This isn't fine art in the traditional sense; it’s a quick study, a material record of the artist's experience in the Swiss Alps. Graphite, essentially processed carbon, is a humble material, and this sketch is all about efficiency. You can see Tavenraat's rapid, layered strokes capturing the monumental scale of the landscape with minimal effort. Consider the labor involved: not just Tavenraat's artistic work, but the unseen hands that mined and processed the graphite, made the paper, and even transported these materials. The social context is there, too. The rise of tourism in the 19th century, with artists like Tavenraat responding to the sublime grandeur of nature, and picturesque views, which fueled new industries and shaped our relationship with the environment. It reminds us that every artwork, no matter how seemingly simple, is the product of a complex web of materials, processes, and social forces.