weiblicher Akt 

Karl Wiener created this sketch, ‘Weiblicher Akt,’ using graphite on paper. The most immediate aspect is the stark contrast between the dense graphite lines and the blank paper. If you look closely, you’ll notice the varying pressure and direction of the strokes; short, hatched lines create shadows and volume on the figure’s body, while longer, flowing lines define the contour. The materiality of graphite allows Wiener to create a range of tonal values, from light grays to deep blacks, giving the figure a sense of depth and weight. The hand of the artist is evident throughout the sketch, in the deliberate application of each stroke and the subtle variations in tone. This emphasis on process challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, highlighting the skill and artistry involved in even a seemingly simple drawing. Ultimately, the material and the method merge together to depict not just a form, but a feeling.