A buffalo 

Johann Nepomuk Rauch painted this buffalo with oil on paper. The quick, gestural marks indicate that this may be a preparatory sketch, a way of quickly capturing the animal’s form. Rauch’s process is revealing. The opacity of oil paint allows him to quickly model form and capture tonal value, and the smooth consistency permits a fluidity of application. He uses these qualities to great effect: the animal’s mass is communicated with great economy. The painting reflects the relationship between artistic skill and agriculture. Rauch was not alone; many artists of the time were interested in depicting rural life and working animals. By focusing on the buffalo's physical form, Rauch draws attention to the labor and energy that this creature represents. Ultimately, this sketch reminds us that art is not just about the finished product but also about the process, the materials, and the social context in which it was made.