Vier junge Mädchen bei einem Brunnen, zwei von ihnen ordnen sich die Haare c. 1771 - 1772

Georg Melchior Kraus made this evocative drawing with pen and brown ink, accentuated by grey wash. The use of these humble materials invites us to consider the social context of the artwork. In Kraus's time, drawing was a valued skill, but it was also seen as a preparatory medium, secondary to painting or sculpture. But Kraus elevates it, transforming simple lines and washes into a scene of everyday life. Look at how he captures the texture of the girls' clothing, and the way they are caught in a moment of pause. This intimate portrayal challenges the traditional hierarchy between 'high' art and depictions of everyday life, and between different media. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, and using such understated materials, Kraus reminds us that art can be found in the simplest of things. He invites us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of making, and to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in all kinds of creative work.