Bildnis eines jungen Mädchens 

This is a portrait of a young girl, rendered in graphite on paper by Otto Scholderer. The artist coaxes out a range of tones from this humble material, varying the pressure to achieve a full description of form. The texture of the paper itself is also important. Note how the toothy surface grabs the graphite, creating subtle variations in the shadows and highlights. Graphite is a relatively inexpensive and accessible material, which has made it a favorite of artists across classes and levels of training. The quickness of the medium is also appealing. Scholderer has created a likeness efficiently, with line economy, and careful hatching on the face. This suggests the importance of skill, in mastering such a simple medium. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that artmaking is not always about the grandeur of materials. It's about seeing potential in the everyday, and mastering fundamental techniques.