Prosit! 1886

Robert Koehler created this drawing titled 'Prosit!' using graphite on paper, and it’s now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. At first glance, the subdued tones and visible pencil strokes invite a sense of intimacy. The composition is anchored by the table at which a man and a woman are seated, their figures defined by delicate lines and shading. Koehler's technique embodies a structural clarity, defining form through careful modulation of light and shadow. The visible strokes remind us of the artistic process, where each line contributes to the overall structure and meaning. Here, the toast itself, 'Prosit!', translates to 'Cheers!', and can be viewed as a performative utterance, which doesn't just describe an action but enacts it. By engaging with the moment of convivial exchange, Koehler’s work invites us to contemplate the subtle structures that define social rituals. The drawing style, with its emphasis on process and construction, reflects a broader interest in how art can reveal underlying systems of representation.