1900 tritt in die Schranken c. 1900

Hans Thoma made this pencil sketch, 1900 tritt in die Schranken, at an unknown date. The medium here is key. Pencil on paper is an accessible, immediate combination, allowing for spontaneity and directness. You can see the artist's hand at work, the varying pressure and direction of the pencil strokes building up the form. The hatching creates depth and shadow, giving the figure a sense of volume despite the simple means. Thoma’s choice of such a humble medium is interesting, especially as it relates to labor. He could have chosen more elaborate, ‘finished’ modes of artmaking, but instead opts for the straightforward gesture of drawing. This choice aligns the work with a sense of immediacy, and perhaps a desire to capture a fleeting moment. Ultimately, the sketch invites us to appreciate the skill and artistry inherent in even the simplest of materials. It blurs the lines between a preliminary study and a finished work, challenging our assumptions about value and artistic intent.