Kapel in een landschap bij Königswinter c. 1860 - 1865

Maria Vos made this sketch of a chapel near Königswinter using graphite on paper. The modest materials speak to its probable function as a study, a preparatory exercise, or a means of quickly capturing the atmosphere of a place. Note the artist’s careful attention to the texture of the landscape, achieved through the build-up of finely drawn lines. Graphite, in its various grades of hardness and softness, allows for a wide range of tonal variation. Vos expertly uses these qualities to render the subtle gradations of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and volume. The paper support, too, plays a crucial role; its slightly off-white tone serves as the brightest highlight in the composition. Consider how these understated choices – graphite and paper – contribute to the artwork's overall feeling of intimacy and immediacy. This challenges any hierarchy separating drawing from painting, foregrounding the skill and sensitivity involved in even the simplest of artistic practices.