Flora and Zephyr 1775 - 1850

Josef Klieber made this drawing of Flora and Zephyr using pencil and wash on paper, around the turn of the 19th century. Though on first glance this seems like a traditional drawing, the artist’s hand is most evident in the skilled rendering of form through light and shadow. Rather than emphasizing color or texture, Klieber instead prioritizes the articulation of classical figures, which he models with a subtle tonal range, mimicking the smooth surface of marble sculpture. The drawing may be a study for a sculpture, or an attempt to elevate drawing to the status of sculpture. Either way, the drawing highlights the labor involved in creating mimetic representation. Klieber’s precise application of pencil and wash required meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the material properties, not just of paper, but also of stone. Understanding the process involved, helps us appreciate the skill required to bring this drawing to life, blurring the lines between art, craft, and design.