Studies 1845 - 1891

Curator: Welcome. In front of you is "Studies" by Johannes Bosboom, made between 1845 and 1891. It’s currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, a graphite drawing and print on paper. Editor: Stark! I mean, formally it's almost a study in negative space. So much emptiness. Curator: It invites contemplation. These studies likely served Bosboom as preparatory sketches, glimpses into his evolving artistic vision, reflecting a period when artists embraced realism. The late 19th century was a transformative era; art depicted daily life and the impact of industrialization, seen not in finished works but hinted at through studies such as this. Editor: Absolutely. The gestural marks… they speak to a pursuit of something, a fleeting observation. Look how the graphite captures texture with the faintest suggestion. It also showcases Bosboom’s engagement with the emerging styles that sought more subjective expression of vision over idealized portrayals. Curator: Precisely, these ‘Studies’ provide scholars insight to better contextualize finished artworks, and to learn the artistic practices prevalent during the Impressionist movement and to examine Bosboom's artistic contributions to a socially tumultuous time. Editor: And yet, there's such simplicity here. With the barest minimum of markings. Its rawness is what stays with me. Its imperfections contribute so profoundly. Curator: Indeed. Bosboom leaves us a whisper, not a shout, in his art. Editor: Which, in some ways, feels so much louder. It’s so curious that something seemingly devoid of content can provoke such a strong feeling of contemplation and introspection. Curator: Ultimately, that is what many artists hope to do, influence the way you look at the world. Thank you for joining us today to look at “Studies.” Editor: Thank you for guiding my looking today.