17.11.1982 1982

Gerhard Richter created this drawing, 17.11.1982, with graphite on paper. The jumble of lines and shading might seem like the idle work of the hand. But Richter was deeply engaged with questions about the role of the artist and the status of the art object. Made in West Germany, this work reflects a specific cultural moment. German artists of Richter's generation struggled with the legacy of the Second World War and the division of their nation. His abstract style, developed through experiments in painting and photography, reflects a desire to move beyond traditional forms of representation. Richter’s work questioned the possibility of objective truth in art, as well as the institutional structures through which art is valued. Understanding Richter's art requires us to consider the art market, the role of museums, and the cultural politics of the 1980s. Art historians consult a range of sources, including artist's writings, exhibition reviews, and social theory to shed light on the complex meanings of art.