Sketch of the high priest to the painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’ 1866 - 1867

Editor: Here we have Jozef Simmler's "Sketch of the High Priest to the Painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’," created between 1866 and 1867 using pencil. The lines are so delicate, almost tentative, yet they create such a powerful sense of drama. What stands out to you? Curator: The beauty of this lies in its formal construction. Note the artist's expert use of chiaroscuro even within the limited grayscale palette. The deep shadows create a sense of volume and presence, wouldn’t you agree? It highlights the folds and drapes in a rather calculated manner. Editor: Definitely! The way the light falls suggests the weight of the fabric. Do you think the somewhat unfinished nature adds something? Curator: Indeed. The incompleteness reveals Simmler's process. He's less interested in replicating reality and more in capturing form and gesture, line and light in their purest, most distilled essence. Look at how the figure almost emerges from the blank paper – the structural use of the figure rising out of negative space. Editor: That's a great way to put it! The lack of background really focuses my attention on the figure itself and its lines. I see now what you mean. Curator: Precisely! And in this focus, one witnesses art transcending its mere subject. Simmler is engaging with pure forms. The interplay of light and shadow is itself the subject of this drawing. Editor: This has given me a completely new way to look at sketches and appreciate their beauty! Curator: Hopefully, you will explore the art for line and light as you engage with visual media moving forward.