Forest section c. 1870

Wilhelm Busch created this "Forest Section" with graphite on paper. Busch takes up the humble medium of graphite and uses it to capture a moment in the forest. Look closely and you will see the way the artist builds up layers of graphite to create depth and texture. See how these materials influence the work’s appearance, lending it a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The softness of the graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, mimicking the dappled light filtering through the trees. The rough texture of the paper adds another layer of complexity, catching the graphite in its fibers and creating a sense of organic irregularity. Although it seems like a simple sketch, think about the work it took to master the techniques involved in using this medium, and appreciate how Busch's artistic choices have given the artwork cultural and social significance. By looking closely at materials, making, and context, we can gain a deeper understanding of the true meaning of art, and challenge the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.