Saint Elisabeth 

Peter Becker's "Saint Elisabeth," now at the Städel Museum, is rendered simply with graphite on paper. This medium inherently invites a sense of immediacy, a direct connection to the artist's hand. The qualities of graphite itself – its smoothness, its capacity for both delicate lines and bold shading – contribute to the ethereal yet grounded presence of the saint. Becker's technique, using a common and unassuming material, imbues the artwork with significance. Graphite, easily mass-produced, mirrors wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Yet the skilled application of it elevates the medium, underscoring the artist's vision and the potential for beauty in everyday materials. This drawing encourages us to contemplate the relationship between humble materials, artistic skill, and the social narratives embedded within the creative process. By examining the ways in which artists engage with their materials, we challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting a more inclusive understanding of art history.