Schepen c. 1910 - 1915

Willem Witsen made this drawing, called 'Schepen', with graphite on paper. I imagine Witsen standing by the water's edge, sketchbook in hand, trying to capture the fleeting essence of these boats. I imagine his eyes darting back and forth, trying to find the shapes there. It's like he's sketching out a thought, letting the pencil wander and find its way. The marks are so minimal, almost like whispers. But within those sparse lines, you can feel the weight of the boats, the gentle rocking on the water, the stillness of the scene. It reminds me that sometimes, it's the simplest gestures that speak the loudest, suggesting more than they show. It’s a lovely reminder that art isn’t always about grand statements but can be about the quiet act of seeing and feeling.