Netze tragende Fischer sowie meist sitzende, in einer Unterhaltung begriffene Figuren 1873

This drawing was made by Hans von Marées in the 19th century, using graphite on paper. The figures are rendered with a raw immediacy. Marées clearly wanted to capture the essence of a scene or idea without getting bogged down in details. This approach speaks to the social context of his time. In the 1800s, many artists were grappling with the rise of industrial production, where things were increasingly made by machines rather than by hand. Marées seems to be consciously rejecting that trend, embracing the imperfections and directness of hand drawing. You can almost feel the artist's hand moving across the page. The choice of graphite, a humble material, further emphasizes this connection to the everyday. It is a medium accessible to all, in contrast to the expensive paints used by the academic masters. Ultimately, understanding the materials and processes used in the creation of this drawing allows us to appreciate its full meaning, its subtle rebellion against the dominant values of its time, and its celebration of the handmade.