Street in Bouconville 12 - 1916

Jakob Nussbaum made this pencil drawing of a street in Bouconville on paper. The softness of the graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, capturing the quiet atmosphere of the scene. It is a quick method of image making, and the drawing bears a sense of immediacy. The artist has chosen an accessible medium, indicative of a shift away from more laboured academic practices. This drawing shows the value of rendering everyday scenes and subjects, rather than grand historical narratives. The drawing's texture contributes to the overall aesthetic, as the graininess of the paper and the strokes of the pencil create a sense of depth and dimension. There are no erasures or corrections, which suggests Nussbaum was interested in spontaneity. Ultimately, the drawing reminds us that art can be found in the simplest of materials and subjects.