A cattle 

Teutwart Schmitson made this drawing of cattle in the 19th century using graphite pencil on paper. The simple materials belie the skill required to capture the animal's form with such economy. Note how the artist has built up the forms through layering light, subtle strokes. You can almost feel the weight and mass of the animal, even though it's just a sketch. This is because Schmitson understood the importance of material in conveying a sense of reality. The rough texture of the paper, combined with the soft touch of the graphite, creates a tactile quality that draws you in. This work reveals the artist's deep understanding of both his materials and his subject. By paying attention to the process of making, we can see how even a simple drawing can be imbued with a sense of life and presence. The use of pencil is a world away from industrialization, a counterpoint to the rapid changes of the 19th century.