Study of a rock c. 1869

Otto Scholderer made this “Study of a Rock,” now held in the Städel Museum, using graphite. Observe the artist's choice to render the rock not as a solid mass, but as a collection of planes and textures. The graphite lines delineate the rough surface, giving a tactile quality to the otherwise still and silent scene. These structural components create a sense of depth and volume, capturing the geological form. The surrounding trees are equally significant. Their skeletal branches, rendered with delicate strokes, act as a counterpoint to the solidity of the rock. These elements work together, creating a composition that highlights the interplay between organic and inorganic forms, questioning our understanding of space and form. The use of a monochromatic palette encourages us to focus on the texture and structure of the rock, revealing the philosophical depth in rendering a simple geological subject.