Vignet met een wapen met daarop een leeuw, een toren en een vogel 1836 - 1912

Isaac Weissenbruch created this tiny heraldic sketch at an unknown date, using graphite on paper. The artist's hand is evident in the texture of the graphite lines, as he rendered the lion, tower, and bird in a traditional heraldic composition. The stark contrast of the graphite against the paper emphasizes the drawing's form. Consider how Weissenbruch chose graphite, a readily available material, to create this vignette. This choice speaks to a broader accessibility of art-making, especially during a period of industrial expansion. It's also worth noting that heraldry, with its structured symbolism, had a rich social context, often connected to aristocratic lineage and identity. By capturing it with a humble material, Weissenbruch seems to democratize the tradition. Thinking about materials and making, the full meaning of an artwork emerges, challenging any rigid distinction between fine art and craft.