Child at the dining table with cat c. 1872 - 1874

Otto Scholderer made this drawing of a child with a cat at a dining table using graphite on paper. Graphite, in pencil form, is a humble material, and here, its qualities of soft mark-making beautifully capture the texture and form of this intimate scene. Look at the varying line weights. See how Scholderer uses delicate strokes to define the soft features of the child and the fur of the cat. Notice how the heavier lines describe the outlines of the furniture. The varying pressure applied to the pencil creates a sense of depth, and imbues the drawing with a subtle, expressive quality. The choice of graphite underscores the everyday nature of the subject. Pencil is a common tool for sketching and preliminary studies. Scholderer elevates this humble medium through his skillful handling, reminding us that true artistry lies not just in the choice of materials, but also in the artist's ability to transform the ordinary into something meaningful.