Knabenbildnis (Victor Scholderer_) 

Otto Scholderer created this portrait of Victor Scholderer using graphite on paper. Graphite, essentially pencil lead, is a humble material, mass-produced for everyday use, unlike the costly pigments of oil paint. The drawing's appearance is influenced by the inherent qualities of the graphite: its capacity for delicate shading, and the subtle variations achieved through pressure and layering. The artist likely used various grades of graphite to achieve this. The processes used in the drawing, along with the texture and weight, imbue the artwork with a soft intimate feeling. Scholderer used traditional art materials, engaging with a skilled tradition of draftsmanship that dates back centuries, yet adapted to a rising middle class. Considering the materials and processes involved challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, highlighting the importance of understanding the context in which an artwork is made.