Blick auf ein Franziskanerkloster bei Trient 1847

This landscape showing a Franciscan monastery near Trient was made by Ludwig Metz, sometime in the 19th century. It is a pencil drawing on paper. The linear quality of the drawing emphasizes the close observation and meticulous labor that Metz invested in its creation. The pencil lines work to build the landscape's depth. The artist seems to be interested in the representation of the forms and architectural details, and how light reflects off the buildings. Drawing has an interesting relationship to labor. While it is a relatively accessible medium, requiring only paper and pencil, the skill and dedication required to produce a detailed and nuanced drawing like this one speaks to the labor involved in artistic practice, as well as the social and cultural values placed on the final product. The drawing embodies the convergence of craft, design, and materiality, expanding the boundaries of traditional art history.