Fundering c. 1864

This drawing, “Fundering” by Willem Springer Jr., is rendered in ink on paper. It’s a carefully considered technical drawing, with ruled lines and consistent lettering. But the paper itself is also key. Its texture and slight discoloration speak to a time when paper was a precious resource, made by hand. The drawing is not just an image, but a physical object that carries the weight of its own making. Springer Jr. wasn’t simply generating an image, he was participating in a much broader system of labor and production. This reminds us that all art is the product of material resources and human effort. So next time you encounter a drawing, take a moment to appreciate the paper it's on, the ink used to create it, and the countless hours of labor that went into its creation.