Hondenkar 1847 - 1865

Charles Rochussen created this drawing with graphite, bringing to life a scene centered around a wooden dog cart. Graphite, in its essence, is humble—a form of carbon more commonly found in pencils than in what we traditionally consider fine art. Here, its qualities of texture, weight, and form translate into a detailed study of labor, class, and the bond between humans and animals. Look closely and you can see how Rochussen coaxes a range of tones from this modest material. The social context of this artwork reflects a world powered by labor, both human and animal. The dog cart itself speaks to a time when animals played a crucial role in transport and trade. The image prompts us to consider the amount of physical effort required to produce such a drawing, and invites us to question the distinctions we make between art, craft, and the everyday realities of life.