Rock Cliffs above a Stream c. 1818

Johann Christoph Erhard made this drawing of Rock Cliffs above a Stream with graphite on paper. These are very traditional art materials, of course, but consider what Erhard is doing here: using a relatively new technology, the pencil, to capture something very old, the geological formations of the earth itself. The artist has exploited the intrinsic qualities of graphite to create a range of effects. Notice the sharp, crisp lines used to delineate the rock faces, contrasting with the softer, smudged tones that evoke the foliage and distant landscape. The varying pressure and density of the graphite create depth and texture, giving the rocks a tangible, three-dimensional presence. This highly skilled drawing, made with a humble implement, speaks to the historical division between fine art and craft. Erhard elevates the act of drawing, traditionally seen as a preliminary step, to a finished work of art. He asks us to appreciate not only the subject, but also the artist's labor and skill in rendering it.