Mädchen mit Katze auf dem Schoß (_My old Tom_) c. 1872

Otto Scholderer made this drawing using graphite on paper. The artist has captured the subtle gradations of tone, line and texture that can be achieved with graphite, from the girl's somber face and head band to the flowing lines of her dress. The method of production gives this sketch its unique qualities. Applying light pressure to the paper to indicate the soft material of the dress, and harder, more deliberate strokes to emphasize shadows and the contours of the girl's face. Scholderer coaxes a remarkable level of detail and expression from his medium. The seeming simplicity of the production conceals the level of skill and artistry required to produce the image. This work challenges our assumptions about the hierarchy of art forms and the social context of artistic production. By valuing the artist's process and the material qualities of graphite, we can appreciate the subtle beauty and expressive power of this simple sketch.