Gezicht op Drachenfels aan de oever van de Rijn c. 1860 - 1865

Maria Vos sketched this view of the Drachenfels on the banks of the Rhine, using graphite on paper. The quick, light marks evoke the scene with minimal effort, demonstrating the artist’s mastery of the medium. The visible strokes build the image, bringing attention to their own presence and process. The texture of the paper support also plays a key role. Graphite, like all drawing media, has a long association with academic art practice, but also with industrial production: vast quantities were required for pencils, used in offices and factories. This gives it an interesting duality. Looking closely, you can see how the artist’s hand moved across the page, and how the tool and material were used to capture the landscape. By considering the materials and processes involved, we can more fully appreciate the artist's skill and intention.