Studie zu einem Leichnam Christi für ‘Pieta’ before 1891

This is a study of the dead Christ made by Franz von Stuck, executed in graphite on paper. It’s a traditional combination of materials, but the drawing's power comes from its immediacy. Look at the quality of the lines. The figure is carefully modeled with dense areas of hatching that capture the weight and volume of Christ’s body. See how Stuck varies the pressure of his pencil to create subtle gradations of tone, giving the figure a sense of three-dimensionality. The rapid strokes around the limbs also suggest movement, and the agony of death. The artist's skilled handling of graphite allows him to convey the tragedy of the subject matter, referencing the Christian tradition of the ‘Pieta’ through a potent, physical representation. Consider the labor and skill involved in creating this drawing, and how it elevates the status of the work, while also remaining grounded in everyday artistic practice. This piece serves as a reminder of the potential for even the simplest materials to convey complex and profound ideas.