Reiterstandbild des Markgrafen Karl Wilhelm zu Baden 1909

This pencil drawing of Markgraf Karl Wilhelm zu Baden was made by Fritz Boehle and lives here at the Städel. I love how the Boehle lets the pencil marks dance and weave, creating a sense of form without being overly descriptive. It's like watching a sculptor feel their way around a figure, searching for its essence. The texture of the paper, with its subtle tooth, adds another layer of depth, reminding us of the physicality of the drawing process. Look at the way Boehle renders the horse’s mane, with a flurry of lines that capture its movement and volume. Those marks feel so alive! For me, it resonates with the way artists like Daumier used line to convey not just form but also emotion and character. Drawings like this one remind us that art isn't just about representation; it's about exploration, discovery, and the sheer joy of mark-making. It’s a conversation that spans centuries.