Graphics is the oldest form of fine art, first appearing in the Stone Age around 40,000 years B.C. Examples of graphic images are cave drawings and images of animals scratched on cave walls, bone or stones. With the development of writing system, the practical relevance of graphic art was overshadowed by its decorative nature.

Graphics (Greek γρᾰφικός "written" from γράφω "to record, write") is a fine art form in which the main visual tools, called graphic, are the display surface properties (more often a white sheet of paper) and correlation of lines, strokes and stains. Colour is also used in graphics, but it is considered an auxiliary artistic tool. There are easel graphics (drawing, prints, amateur painting or print), book graphics (illustrations, vignettes, headpieces, etc.), industrial graphics, poster, silkscreen printing. Drawing is not only an independent form of fine art, but also the basis for painting, engraving, poster, sculpture and many other arts. Michelangelo Buonarroti wrote about the art of drawing: "Drawing, which is otherwise known as the art of sketching, is the highest point of painting, sculpture and architecture; drawing is the source and root of all science". Drawing is the basis of all forms of graphics and other forms of fine arts. During the Renaissance, the art of drawing gained its own independent significance. As a rule, a graphic image is made on a sheet of paper. Sometimes very simple means – a lead pencil, ball point pen or ink – are enough for an artist to make a graphic drawing. Other drawing materials can also be used: charcoal, pastel, sanguine, watercolour, etc.

The section "Graphics" on the museum Collection website was enriched with the works of Theodor Horschelt, a brilliant draughtsman, battle painter, member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, who had a significant influence on many artists that addressed Caucasian themes.

Nearly fifty works created by the draughtsman are presented in the museum Collection in the section "Graphics".

In 1896, Caucasian Campaign Drawings by Theodor Horschelt were published. The artist succeeded in preserving for posterity images of everyday life in a Chechen village, children frolicking and inhabitants busy with daily routine.

Art works by Horschelt are characterized by thoughtfulness of composition, true-to-life motion capture, excellent characterisation of situations and actors and by graphic elegance.

The life story of Theodore Horschelt is in the column “Audio Stories”.