Am Boden sitzendes Mädchen mit Kopftuch c. 1771 - 1772

Georg Melchior Kraus captured “Girl Sitting on the Ground with Headscarf” in a graphite drawing, date unknown, now housed in the Städel Museum. This simple sketch presents a study in contrasts and tonal gradations. Kraus has expertly manipulated graphite to create a range of values, giving depth and form to the figure. The girl's headscarf and dress are rendered with soft, flowing lines, while darker, more emphatic strokes define the shadows and folds, particularly around the base where she sits. This contrast between light and shadow gives the figure a sense of volume and presence. The composition is deceptively simple, yet it draws the eye directly to the girl's face, capturing a moment of quiet introspection. Note how Kraus uses a variety of line weights and densities, creating a dynamic surface that belies the simplicity of the subject matter.