Path along a hill 

Franz Kobell made this drawing, seemingly with pen and ink, sometime between 1762 and 1822. It's a simple scene, a path along a hill. But the way it's made tells us something about the world around Kobell. Look closely at the lines. They're not just outlines, they're built up, layer upon layer, to create a sense of depth and texture. The density of the ink creates shadow, giving volume to the trees and rocks. This technique, building up form through careful mark-making, requires time and skill. In Kobell's era, the rise of industrialization meant a shift in how things were made. But here, we see a dedication to handcraft, a slower, more deliberate way of seeing and representing the world. It's a reminder that even as new technologies emerge, the value of skilled handwork persists. The drawing shows that labor, in this case, is still a matter of artistry.