Häuserzeile am Ufer des Arno in Florenz 15 - 1851

This drawing of houses along the Arno in Florence was made by Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig, using graphite on paper. Ludwig’s choice of such a simple medium underscores the emphasis on process and the intrinsic qualities of the material. The pencil lines capture the architectural details of the buildings, their substance, texture, and form. The slight sheen and smooth surface of the graphite allow it to glide effortlessly across the paper, capturing the light and shadow that define the Florentine cityscape. We can see that it was made with many small strokes, laid down deliberately and efficiently. This act of drawing becomes a form of labor in itself. The artist mediates his perception of the world through hand and eye, recording every detail of these buildings. It's a form of creative production, and it shows us that there's skill involved in all kinds of making, blurring the boundaries between fine art and craft.