Kirche in Hadamar (Original Title) 

Peter Becker made this drawing of the Kirche in Hadamar using graphite on paper. Becker, active in the mid-19th century, employed a traditional art material to capture this architectural subject. The drawing’s fine lines and subtle gradations of tone result from the inherent qualities of graphite, allowing for detailed representation and delicate shading. This precise technique captures the church's Gothic features and the surrounding landscape. Becker's choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks to a wider democratization of art-making in the 19th century. Graphite allowed artists to create detailed studies and preparatory sketches and finished works. The amount of work involved in the production process reflects a blend of technical skill and artistic vision, resulting in a piece that invites contemplation on the relationship between architecture, landscape, and the act of drawing itself. Thinking about materials, making, and context helps us fully appreciate an artwork, challenging common ideas about what is fine art versus craft.