Man en ezel op een pad in een heuvellandschap c. 1825 - 1829

Andreas Schelfhout made this drawing of a man and a donkey on a path in a hilly landscape, most likely in the first half of the 19th century, using graphite on paper. The apparent simplicity of this medium belies its complexity. Graphite, a form of carbon, allows for a wide range of tonal values depending on pressure and layering. Look closely, and you’ll notice how Schelfhout modulates the density of the graphite to suggest depth, texture, and light. The strokes vary from delicate lines to more assertive marks, each contributing to the drawing’s overall atmosphere. The ease of obtaining graphite and paper and the portability of drawing allowed artists to capture fleeting moments and scenes from everyday life. While this might seem like a simple sketch, it reflects the increasing accessibility of art-making materials during the 19th century, as industrial production made them more widely available. Consider that even a humble drawing like this involves labor, skill, and a network of material production and distribution. This small work offers a glimpse into the broader social and economic landscape of its time.