Zimmer mit Schreibtisch, Stehpult und Bücherregalen c. 1857

This drawing was made by Wilhelm Busch using graphite on paper. Busch, better known for his illustrated stories, offers us here a glimpse into a room filled with the tools of intellectual labor. The artist's hand is evident in every delicate line, creating an intimate atmosphere. The graphite, applied with varying pressure and direction, captures the textures of the wooden furniture, the paper stacked on the desk, and the soft light filtering through the window. The room is spartan yet functional, featuring a writing desk, standing desk, and shelves crammed with books, all rendered with a precise, almost obsessive attention to detail. This drawing reflects a reverence for craftsmanship and the handmade, yet speaks to wider social issues. The emphasis on a workspace highlights the value of labor and the commodification of intellectual work. By emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context, Busch challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the more functional crafts.