Alte Frau mit Henkelkorb, rechts neben ihr ein kleines Mädchen, beide vom Rücken gesehen c. 1771 - 1772

Georg Melchior Kraus created this drawing of an old woman with a basket and a young girl using graphite on paper. The artist’s hand is evident in the quick, gestural lines that define the figures, capturing a fleeting moment. The softness of graphite allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a sense of volume and depth. Kraus skillfully uses hatching and cross-hatching to model the forms, adding texture to their clothing and hair. The deliberate choice of graphite and paper allows for a direct, intimate engagement with the subject. It is a humble medium, and in this case, beautifully suited to the scene. The use of drawing to capture observations of everyday life elevated the importance of craft and sketching as essential skills for artists. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, Kraus's drawing reflects a broader cultural interest in the lives of the working class. It is through this lens of making, material, and social context that we can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of this simple sketch.