Cow n.d.

This drawing of a cow was made by Philipp Peter Roos, probably in Italy around the turn of the 18th century, using graphite on paper. It is easy to overlook drawings, but they are fundamental to artistic practice, as they serve as studies, preliminary sketches, and opportunities to develop ideas. The seeming simplicity of graphite belies its transformative impact on art history. Roos expertly harnesses the material’s inherent qualities to capture the weight and texture of the animal’s form. The artist’s skilled application of graphite—a relatively new material at the time— imbues the drawing with a sense of depth and realism. The visible strokes and smudges reveal the artist's hand, while the subtle variations in tone create a convincing illusion of three-dimensionality. Consider the labor involved in transforming raw materials into a refined artwork like this. Roos was part of a tradition that elevated drawing to an art form. By focusing on the materiality and processes behind this image, we can appreciate the full scope of its making, which transcends conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.