Die Lauterquelle im Park zu Weimar c. 1775 - 1779

Georg Melchior Kraus made this landscape, titled Die Lauterquelle im Park zu Weimar, using pencil and grey wash. The subtlety and skill apparent in this work lie in the artist’s hand and the close observation of the natural world. Kraus was clearly a master of his medium, coaxing a wide range of tonal values and textures from this limited palette. Note how the meticulous strokes build up volume, depth, and light. However, this scene is far from idyllic. Look at the two women by the water. They are engaged in the backbreaking work of washing clothes. This reminds us of the labor required to sustain even the most refined and beautiful environments. It is a reminder of the contrast that existed, and continues to exist, between leisure and labor. Paying attention to the materials and processes used in this artwork allows us to appreciate the artist's skill, and invites us to consider the social context in which it was made, as well as the lives of the people within it.