Still Life [verso] 

This is a sketch of a still life, by Karl Knaths, probably dating to the mid-20th century, drawn in pencil on paper. The rough paper gives the drawing a down-to-earth quality, like a design jotted down in a workshop. Pencil is a humble material, accessible to almost anyone, in contrast to the preciousness of oil paint or bronze. The quick, sparse lines are evidence of Knaths' hand, working rapidly to capture an idea. The very lack of finish makes the image feel immediate. Still life has long been associated with the artistic mastery, yet here, the sketchiness seems to declare independence from tradition. Knaths has turned away from the slickness of academic art. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of the thinking hand, of labor, and the value of humble materials.