Burg in Wasserburg am Inn 

This delicate pencil drawing of Burg in Wasserburg am Inn was made by Karl Ballenberger sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Pencil, as a medium, is interesting here, especially for its relationship to labor. Before industrialization, pencils were luxury items, requiring careful crafting of graphite and wood. This drawing reflects that tradition, with its precise lines and detailed rendering of the castle's architecture. Ballenberger's skill is evident in the way he captures the texture of the stone and the play of light on the building's surface, using only graphite. The choice of pencil also speaks to the changing social status of the artist during this period. As art became more accessible, drawing gained recognition as a legitimate form of artistic expression. Ballenberger's drawing exemplifies this shift, elevating a humble material to a means of creating a work with lasting artistic value. It reminds us that even the simplest materials can be used to create works of great beauty and significance.