Studie, mogelijk van een landschap met wolkenlucht c. 1884 - 1887

This is a charcoal drawing of a landscape or cloudscape study by Willem Witsen. Charcoal is a humble material, the remnant of burned wood. It allows for tonal variation through the pressure of the artist's hand. We can see in this study how Witsen has exploited these qualities, creating depth and atmosphere with relatively few lines. The drawing appears spontaneous and expressive, yet this belies the skill required to achieve such an effect. Drawings like this one were often made in preparation for larger works, or as a means of quickly capturing a fleeting moment. In this sense, it can be seen as a kind of material thinking. Through the act of drawing, Witsen was able to explore the possibilities of his medium and the subject at hand. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork lies not only in its representational qualities, but also in the way it embodies the artist's engagement with the material and process of drawing. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the labor, skill, and context that went into its creation.