Landgoed De Paauw, Wassenaar c. 1913

This is the cover of Geldolph Adriaan Kessler’s sketchbook, made with textile and other unknown materials. I imagine Kessler with his sketchbook out in the Dutch countryside, composing scenes, making notes, maybe planning for larger paintings. Sketchbooks are like intimate, private spaces where artists can really be themselves, experiment, and try out ideas without the pressure of creating a finished masterpiece. You can almost feel the texture of the textile. The color is deep and rich, and the subtle patterns give it a sense of depth. It’s like the artist is inviting us to touch and explore the surface, engaging with the material in a tactile way. This unassuming cover embodies the spirit of exploration and the endless possibilities of artistic expression. It’s a reminder that every great work of art begins with a simple idea, a humble sketch, and the courage to take the first step.