Animal sermon c. 1897

Fritz Boehle made this drawing, called "Animal Sermon," using ink on paper. It's a simple enough pairing of materials, but the execution speaks volumes. Look closely and you'll see a man weighed down, not just by the harness he wears, but by the very presence of the animals surrounding him. Boehle's use of ink allows for precise lines and intricate details. Notice the texture he creates, the way he renders the animals, and the expressive lines that bring out the weight of the man's burden. The choice of ink on paper is also significant. It’s a medium capable of great nuance, but also easily reproducible. This aligns with the themes Boehle explores: labor, politics, and consumption, and how these things weigh heavily on the individual. The "Animal Sermon" becomes a commentary on the relationship between humanity and the natural world, challenging our notions of progress and responsibility. Ultimately, it is through the very act of drawing – the application of ink to paper – that Boehle conveys his message, questioning the divisions between art and craft.