Mädchen an einer Treppe auf ihrem Korb eingeschlafen 1860

Hugo Kauffmann created this quick pencil drawing of a sleeping girl on a staircase, likely in Germany in the late 19th century. It is not simply a neutral study of everyday life. In its time, art was becoming more aware of class and social issues, a shift away from idealized scenes towards the gritty realities of the working class. This drawing, with its loose style, evokes a sense of immediacy. It captures a tender moment, but also hints at the conditions that might lead a child to fall asleep on the job. The drawing's style could be considered progressive. It moves away from the highly polished academic style favored by institutions, and it favors a more direct and empathetic representation of the working class. Understanding this artwork requires us to delve into the social and economic conditions of 19th-century Germany. Records of the urbanization and working conditions of this period can help us interpret the drawing. Art history isn't just about aesthetics, it's about understanding the world in which the art was made.