Farm in Schondorf, Lake Ammersee 

Rudolf Hirth du Frênes made this drawing of a farm in Schondorf, Lake Ammersee using graphite pencil on paper. It is the straightforward combination of graphite and paper that brings the image to life. The pencil marks create a delicate interplay of light and shadow, capturing the rustic charm of the farm buildings. Notice how the artist uses different levels of pressure and shading to create texture and depth. The subtle variations in tone convey the rough surfaces of the wood and stone, giving the scene a tangible, tactile quality. The repetitive use of the pencil shows the intense labor involved in the depiction. The way that the graphite sits on the paper invites us to consider the social context of the work. It's not just a pretty picture. It's a record of a specific place and time, made by a particular person with a particular set of skills and a keen eye for detail. It reflects the artist's engagement with the world around him, emphasizing the value of craft and the beauty of everyday life.