Gothic wall niche 

Karl Ballenberger made this sketch of a Gothic wall niche in the 19th century using graphite on paper. The very choice of medium speaks volumes. Graphite, easily applied, allowed Ballenberger to capture the intricate details of Gothic architecture with precision. Look at the lines, which capture the architectural form, and the shading which suggests depth. The niche is a design for something that would likely be carved from stone, possibly by many hands. The wall niche itself represents not just form, but also function and the labour involved in its construction. Ballenberger's sketch reduces a complex, material object to its essential lines. This reminds us that design is an intellectual process. He wasn’t just copying a form, but capturing its essence on paper. In doing so, he invites us to consider the relationship between design, material, and the skilled labor required to bring such a piece to life.