Cavalery battle 

Louis Ferdinand von Rayski created this sketch, "Cavalry Battle," now housed in the Städel Museum, using graphite on paper. The initial impression is one of dynamic chaos, created through a flurry of lines depicting soldiers and horses in combat. Rayski’s use of line is particularly striking. It's not about precise representation but rather about capturing the energy and tumult of battle. Look closely and you will notice the lines are layered and intersect, suggesting movement and disorder. This emphasis on form over detail aligns with a broader shift towards prioritizing the artist's expressive gesture. The lack of tonal variation, typical of a sketch, reinforces the sense of immediacy, inviting us to witness the raw, unfiltered moment of conflict. Ultimately, "Cavalry Battle" prompts us to consider how the formal qualities of a work—the way it is made—shape our understanding and emotional response.