Puss in Boots 

This drawing, Puss in Boots, was made by Moritz von Schwind using graphite on paper. Here, the artist’s hand is evident in the varied pressure of the pencil strokes. This is not the kind of smooth, impersonal surface we often associate with high art of this period. The very directness of the drawing suggests an immediacy and intimacy with the creative process, a departure from the polished, finished artwork. The use of graphite on paper, a relatively accessible medium, underscores the idea of making art as an everyday activity, rather than a rarefied pursuit. Consider how the artist’s labor is laid bare, the countless lines, erasures, and corrections bearing witness to the act of creation. The subject of the work, a folk tale, further emphasizes the blending of high art with popular culture, breaking down the traditional boundaries between craft and fine art. This drawing is a testament to the value of process and the democratization of artistic expression.