Staande man met pijp en kruik 1777 - 1779

Pieter de Mare made this drawing of a standing man with pipe and jug using pen and brown ink around 1780. Look closely, and you will see how the lines vary in thickness, defining the man's figure with subtle shading. The fluid, almost casual quality of the line belies a deep understanding of form and proportion. De Mare’s technical skill is evident in the way he captures the man’s posture and the texture of his clothing with such economy of means. The drawing feels spontaneous, but it would have been underpinned by many hours of practice. Consider the tools and materials involved. Pen and ink were readily available, but achieving this level of detail required mastery. De Mare likely relied on skills honed through years of training, part of a broader social context where artistry was intertwined with craftsmanship and technical expertise. This drawing exemplifies how art and craft often intersect.