Waldlandschaft im Gebirge mit Herde und Gewässer 1763

Johann Georg Wagner made this watercolor landscape in the 18th century, using pigments that were ground and mixed by hand. It is an idealized scene, but one grounded in everyday materials. Note how the brushstrokes are visible throughout, building up the forms of the rocks and trees. The artist carefully layered the paint to create depth and texture. The sheep are rendered with a soft, almost fluffy quality, achieved through delicate washes of color. Consider the amount of labor involved in creating such a detailed work with the limited materials available at the time. Before industrialization, the production of art materials was a craft in itself. Pigments were derived from minerals and plants, requiring knowledge and skill to process. By emphasizing the materiality and making of this artwork, we can appreciate the connection between art, labor, and the natural world, and how even a seemingly idyllic landscape reflects the social and economic conditions of its time.