Mönch an einer Türe klopfend 

Johann Heinrich Hasselhorst made this watercolor of a monk knocking on a door, now hanging at the Städel Museum. The soft gradations of tone are created using washes of pigment, a process requiring the artist to build up layers of translucent color. Watercolor has often been considered a preliminary medium, suitable for sketches and studies, rather than finished works. Hasselhorst's choice of this medium therefore underscores the image's quiet, contemplative mood. He creates depth and form through subtle variations in tone, capturing the monk's humble demeanor. The social significance of watercolor lies in its accessibility. Compared to oil painting, it is a relatively inexpensive medium, requiring less equipment and training. While not directly addressing issues of labor or class, Hasselhorst's choice of watercolor aligns with a sense of simplicity and humility. By embracing this modest material, Hasselhorst transcends traditional hierarchies, elevating the everyday to the realm of art.