Encounter by the Garden Fence 1796

Balthasar Anton Dunker made this drawing called "Encounter by the Garden Fence" using pen and brown ink on paper. Notice how Dunker coaxes a full range of tones from a single color through hatching and cross-hatching, building up layers of fine lines. The strokes define the forms and textures of the tree trunk, foliage, and rough-hewn wooden structures, as well as the figures. There's a real sense of the artist's hand here. But also consider the social context in which Dunker was working. As a draughtsman in 18th century Switzerland, his skill was in demand for illustrating books and providing designs for prints. This drawing may have been a study for a more widely distributed work. In this sense, it’s tied to systems of labor and distribution. Ultimately, this humble drawing reminds us that even the most seemingly straightforward artworks are the product of material choices, skilled labor, and specific historical conditions.