Engel und Kinder an der Pforte des Paradieses 

Karl Sandhaas created this drawing of angels and children at the gate of paradise using graphite on paper. The immediate impression is one of lightness, even ethereality, which relates directly to the materials used. Sandhaas has employed a minimal approach, using only the most basic of tools: graphite, which is essentially just carbon, and paper, a relatively inexpensive and readily available material, to create a celestial scene. The artist's marks are delicate and precise, requiring an immense amount of skill and control to create the soft, diffused light. Each line builds the forms, creating a sense of volume and depth with sparse strokes and layers of shading. It's important to remember that in Sandhaas’ time, the handmade was still dominant. His labor-intensive process, and the way the drawing captures a spiritual subject, elevate this humble artwork beyond its modest materials. By considering the handwork involved, we can appreciate Sandhaas' drawing for the depth of expression achieved through simple means.