Auf dem Weg neben einer verfallenen Hütte mit Strohdach ein berittener Hirte und eine Bäuerin mit Schafen und Ziegen 1773

John Webber made this watercolor and ink drawing, "Auf dem Weg neben einer verfallenen Hütte mit Strohdach ein berittener Hirte und eine Bäuerin mit Schafen und Ziegen," using traditional materials. The way Webber uses watercolor and ink influences the appearance of the drawing. Notice the transparency of the watercolor washes, and the thinness of the paper support. These materials allow for a delicacy and luminosity. The ink outlines define the forms and add a layer of precision. Webber's approach is rooted in direct observation, capturing the textures and tones of the scene. The drawing conveys a sense of atmosphere and light, evoking a specific time and place. While this work seems like a straightforward record of a rural scene, consider the amount of work involved in creating such a detailed image, and also the labor of the figures depicted. Appreciating this context broadens our understanding and challenges conventional distinctions between art and craft.