Toledo 20 - 1850

Karl Peter Burnitz captured this view of Toledo using graphite, charcoal, and white heightening. These materials allowed for a remarkable level of detail, evident in the architectural rendering. Burnitz’s choice of materials and techniques invites us to consider the labor involved. The precision of line work in the sketch, the subtle gradations achieved through charcoal, and the careful application of white heightening collectively speak to the skill and time invested in this work. The drawing captures Toledo's grand structures with the use of linear perspective, which was a very popular mode of representation. The use of graphite and charcoal suggests an interest in the raw, earthy qualities of the landscape itself. By attending to the materials and making of this artwork, we gain insight into the labor and social context that shaped its creation. This challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft, highlighting the significance of materials and making in understanding the full meaning of the artwork.