Geflügelter Jüngling, Blumen streuend (Genius des Guten) 

Gerhard von Kügelgen made this drawing of a winged youth scattering flowers, using pen and ink on paper. The choice of materials speaks to the artist’s academic background. The careful lines define the figure's anatomy and drapery, showing von Kügelgen’s skillful draftsmanship. But the medium of ink is more than just a means to an end. It’s also a way of working that emphasizes precision and control. Each stroke is considered, contributing to the overall sense of harmony. The flowers feel like an afterthought, rendered as a scattering of simple, abstracted shapes, in contrast to the detailed treatment of the winged youth’s body. We get a sense of the artist’s labor in every carefully rendered line, revealing the artist’s engagement with classical ideals of beauty, but also a commitment to technique and skill. Appreciating the materiality of this drawing, the artist's process, allows us to see beyond the finished image and understand the broader social and cultural values embedded within it.