Gebirgslandschaft, im Vordergrund Hirt und Herde 

Franz Kobell made this landscape drawing with pen and brown ink in the late 18th or early 19th century. The choice of pen and ink, a readily available, relatively inexpensive medium, suggests an interest in accessibility and perhaps a wider audience for art. The drawing's appearance is defined by the fine lines and delicate cross-hatching achieved with the pen. These marks create a sense of depth, texture and light, evoking the natural world. The technique also emphasizes the artist's skill and control. Pen and ink, a traditional drawing method, links this work to a rich history of artistic practice and aesthetics, demonstrating the artist's engagement with established traditions, even while depicting everyday scenes. The drawing seems to celebrate the beauty of the natural world and the simple life of the shepherd. By focusing on the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we can better understand its meaning and appreciate how it challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.