Figurenstudien zum _Bauernkrieg_ 

Julius Hamel created this drawing, Figurenstudien zum Bauernkrieg, using graphite on paper. Hamel's choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks volumes. Graphite allowed Hamel to sketch quickly, capturing the essence of his subjects with minimal investment. The series of sketches suggests a deep dive into the lives of the common people during the German Peasants' War. Hamel's focus on hands and faces, rendered with such immediacy, underscores the physical labor and emotional toll endured by the peasantry. The material's unassuming nature allows the artist to bring attention to social issues, labor and class. While seemingly simple, Hamel's graphite drawing is a testament to the power of accessible materials and processes in conveying profound social commentary, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.