Sitting cat 

This is Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt's 'Sitting Cat', made with graphite on paper. The drawing captures the essence of the subject through the application of simple marks. Graphite, ground from naturally occurring crystalline carbon, has been used for centuries, and is valued for its ability to create a range of tones and textures. Here, we see a skillful use of the medium to define the cat’s form, with layers of shading that suggest depth and volume. The lines are soft, capturing the animal's fur, with careful attention paid to the way light falls on its body. Notice how the artist uses short, quick strokes to give a sense of movement and life to the cat. This drawing then, offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's observation and a celebration of the humble, yet versatile, material of graphite. It reminds us that profound artistic expression can emerge from the simplest of means.