Die gestörte, aber glücklich wieder errungene Nachtruhe (Der Floh); 5 1862

Wilhelm Busch’s sketch, "Die gestörte, aber glücklich wieder errungene Nachtruhe (Der Floh)", was made using pencil and brush with watercolor. The rapid strokes lend energy and immediacy to the scene, showing a figure in the throes of an itchy night. The artist's hand is evident in every line, conveying a sense of spontaneity. Busch uses the inherent qualities of watercolor to suggest mood and atmosphere, adding a touch of humor to the work. Consider the work that goes into capturing such a fleeting moment, and the artist's skilled manipulation of materials to convey both form and emotion. Busch was also a poet, cartoonist, painter, and pioneer of comic strips. "Die gestörte..." reflects his command of line, a style rooted in the German tradition of satirical art, echoing the social critiques found in popular illustration. By considering the artist's hand and the material qualities of the medium, we gain a deeper understanding of Busch’s satirical commentary on daily life, blurring the lines between fine art and accessible caricature.