Federzeichnung; Reiter am Strand 1900

Max Liebermann made this drawing, Reiter am Strand, with pen and ink on paper. Liebermann used hatching and cross-hatching to capture the rider and horse in motion, with quick and assured pen strokes. The texture of the drawing mimics the feel of sand and sea, giving the impression of a fleeting moment captured in time. Ink drawings such as this one are often considered preparatory studies, but they can also stand alone as finished works of art. This kind of work is a way for the artist to experiment with form and composition. The medium allows for a direct and immediate connection between the artist's hand and the artwork. Liebermann's choice of materials and techniques elevates a simple scene into a sophisticated work of art. By appreciating the role of materials and making, we recognize the value of craft within the fine arts.