Young Woman with a Hoe 

J. Tepper created this drawing, "Young Woman with a Hoe," using delicate pencil strokes to render the subject's contemplative expression. The neutral tones and soft shading invite a focus on form and line. The hoe itself creates a strong diagonal axis across the composition, balanced by the gentle curve of the woman's headscarf and the subtle contours of her face. Tepper uses hatching and cross-hatching to build volume and texture, particularly noticeable in the folds of her clothing and the grip of her hand on the tool. In semiotic terms, the hoe functions as a powerful signifier. It not only represents labor and the connection to the land, but also invites reflection on the structural relationship between humans and nature. The woman's gaze, directed slightly off-center, adds another layer of complexity. Is it a symbol for a modern re-evaluation of labor? The artist leaves space for the viewer to engage in their own interpretation and consider the multilayered meanings embedded within the artwork.