Woman's head 

Philipp Rumpf created this head study of a woman using monochrome pigments on paper. These materials are modest, of course, but completely appropriate to the purpose. The artist isn't making a finished work, but rather using a quick method to record his perception of the subject. The visible brushstrokes show the immediate, gestural qualities of the artwork. The varying pressure and speed of the brush contribute to the overall dynamism of the drawing, creating a sense of light and shadow that defines the woman's features. The grey paper also serves as a middle tone, allowing Rumpf to build up darker areas with ink wash and add highlights with white gouache. This working method is very much in line with the industrial age, which favored efficient methods of production. Drawings like this were often made in preparation for larger paintings, contributing to the overall division of labor in art production of the time. This piece exemplifies how even seemingly simple sketches can be understood through the lens of materials, making, and social context.