Treetop 

Peter Becker made "Treetop" with graphite on paper, a process that seems straightforward, yet contains a wealth of cultural history. Pencils, like the one used here, were early instruments of mass communication and education. The industrial production of graphite pencils in the 19th century facilitated widespread drawing and writing, which became essential skills for the working and middle classes. Becker's delicate use of graphite captures the texture and form of the tree. The varying pressure and density of the lines create a sense of depth, as if the tree’s leaves are rustling in the breeze. Look closely, and you’ll see how Becker used the medium to render nature with both precision and sensitivity. By understanding the materials and processes behind “Treetop”, we recognize its connection to broader social and economic forces. It reminds us that even seemingly simple drawings are embedded in complex histories of labor, production, and cultural expression.