Titania, unbekleidet und mit hochgestecktem Haar, und Nick Bottom mit Eselskopf, gehend, begleitet von Elfenkindern c. 1867 - 1868

This sketch, made by Paul Konewka, captures a scene from Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' using graphite pencil on paper. Konewka, active in the 19th century, was known for his silhouette work, but here he uses the humble pencil to explore form and composition. The material itself, graphite, is key. Its softness allows for subtle gradations of tone, building up the figures and landscape with delicate lines. The visible strokes reveal the artist's hand, highlighting the directness and intimacy of the drawing process. The paper support, likely inexpensive, further emphasizes the sketch's status as a preliminary study. This sketch lacks the finesse of a finished artwork. The emphasis is on the creative process itself; a fleeting moment of inspiration captured in a few strokes. It serves as a reminder that even the most magical visions often begin with the simplest of materials.