Mit Fässchen beladener Karren, von einem Esel gezogen 

Johann Nepomuk Rauch sketched "Mit Fässchen beladener Karren, von einem Esel gezogen," using graphite, rendering a fleeting moment with delicate lines and subtle shading. The composition is dominated by the circular forms of the barrels and wheels, contrasting with the angular lines defining the donkey and cart structure. The texture feels raw and immediate due to visible pencil strokes, creating a sense of movement. This work exemplifies Rauch’s interest in capturing everyday life through direct observation. The sketch functions as a semiotic system, where each line and shape acts as a signifier. The barrels suggest commerce and transportation, while the donkey, rendered with minimal detail, embodies labour and burden. Rauch’s choice to leave the sketch unfinished challenges the traditional notion of a completed artwork. Notice the open space around the figures: the sketch invites viewers to complete the scene in their minds, engaging with the artwork as a dynamic and evolving representation rather than a fixed image.