Studienblatt_ Ein Mann schreibt einen Brief; ein Mann liest einem anderen einen Brief vor 1884

This graphite drawing by Eugen Klimsch, now at the Städel Museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into communication practices of the past. Klimsch's choice of graphite as a medium is significant here. Unlike the permanence of ink, graphite allows for a certain degree of malleability and revision. It mirrors the act of writing itself, which, like drawing, involves a process of layering, erasure, and refinement. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and volume, carefully building up tone to define the forms of the figures and their surroundings. The soft, almost velvety texture of the graphite lends the scene a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The social context in which letters were written and received is also important. Before telephones and the internet, letters were a primary means of communication, and their content could have significant consequences for individuals and communities. Klimsch captures the attention, reflection, and emotion involved in both writing and receiving such correspondence. By focusing on these everyday actions, the artist elevates them to a level of cultural significance, reminding us of the enduring power of human connection.