A study of two giraffes 

Wilhelm Kuhnert rendered this sketch of two giraffes sometime between 1880 and 1926 using graphite on paper. Here, the artist’s hand is evident, particularly in the way he captures the animals’ forms through delicate and precise pencil strokes. Kuhnert's approach reflects a keen observation of nature, documenting its beauty and variety. The visible process of layering lines and shading conveys the animal's textures, while the economy of line speaks to the artist’s mastery and confidence. The subtle tonal variations in the graphite create a sense of depth, with each mark reflecting a conscious decision about weight and placement. Interestingly, the colonial context in which Kuhnert worked is also important here. Safaris were becoming increasingly popular as leisure activities, and this is connected to the way animals were understood and consumed by Western audiences. Ultimately, the material and process of drawing, and its role in shaping cultural perceptions, are essential to our understanding of this work.