Dante stehend mit Lorbeerkranz c. 1895

Fritz Boehle rendered this drawing of Dante using graphite on paper. Rather than oil paint and canvas, the more traditional materials of fine art, Boehle chose humble materials that allow for easy mass distribution as prints. The social significance of this choice becomes apparent when considering the texture and weight of the graphite lines that bring Dante to life. Look closely at the folds of Dante’s robe, Boehle builds up tone through layers of hatching, creating a sense of depth and volume, yet the surface remains intrinsically linked to the flat plane of the paper. This directness connects the work to the wider context of printmaking as a democratic medium. Graphite, unlike other drawing media, is readily erased and reworked, reflecting not only Boehle’s own creative process but also the accessibility of the medium to a broader audience. Boehle’s choice of materials and making processes, therefore, democratizes the artistic experience.