Slapend kindje 1776

Bernhard Schreuder made this drawing of a sleeping child in 1776, using graphite on paper. Here, the very directness of the drawing material contributes to the image's intimacy. The graphite, applied with varying pressure, captures the soft textures of the baby's clothes and bedding. Look closely, and you'll see how Schreuder uses subtle shading to suggest the three-dimensionality of the child's form. The quick, light strokes give the impression of a fleeting moment, as if the artist were sketching from life, capturing the vulnerability of slumber. While seemingly simple, the choice of graphite allows for a remarkable level of detail and expressiveness, and reminds us that even the humblest materials can be used to create profound and emotionally resonant artworks. It challenges any hierarchy separating drawing from other more elaborate artforms, inviting us to appreciate the skill and sensitivity required to create such a tender portrayal.