Saint Michael 1732 - 1788

Josef Christ made this drawing, Saint Michael, using pen and black ink with gray wash on paper. The fine lines and tonal gradations created by the wash give the scene a sense of ethereal lightness. The use of pen and ink, traditional to drawing and writing, emphasizes the artist's skill and control over the medium. The paper itself, though humble, has a slightly textured surface, which catches the light and adds depth to the image. Christ's choice of these materials reflects a connection to both artistic and more functional traditions of graphic production. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image by hand, each line carefully placed to create the overall composition. This is an early form of mass production, and speaks to a time when the hand was essential for spreading images and ideas. Paying attention to materials and processes allows us to appreciate the artistic skill, but also the social and cultural context in which it was created.