Figuren in einer Landschaft 

This is a pencil drawing by Philipp Rumpf, called Figuren in einer Landschaft, and it's held here at the Städel Museum. The first thing you notice is the texture. Graphite pencils, like the one used here, allow for smooth gradations of tone. But look closely, and you can see individual strokes, the pressure applied by the artist's hand. This is how Rumpf suggests light and shadow, giving the scene depth. The material qualities are critical here, because, unlike paint, a pencil is immediate. He could rework the drawing, adding density to the shady areas. In the 19th century, drawing was a crucial skill. Not just for artists making studies for larger paintings, but also for architects and designers. It was a mark of professional competence, part of the labor of creative production. Here Rumpf uses a simple tool, a pencil, to create an evocative image. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. It invites us to appreciate the skill and effort embedded in even the humblest materials.