Blank page; verso: Man Wearing a Hat 1637

Editor: Here we see Pieter Jansz. Quast's sketch, "Blank page; verso: Man Wearing a Hat," from around 1637. It is a delicate pencil drawing. What strikes me is the textural contrast between the feathered hat and the crisp lines defining the man's profile. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I am immediately drawn to the artist's masterful handling of line and form. Note how the varying pressure creates depth and volume, particularly in rendering the hat. The sketch's intrinsic value lies in the artist’s deft control and the interplay between light and shadow, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Yes, definitely. The way the light catches the brim of the hat is exquisite. Thank you for pointing out how the pressure of the pencil work defines the form. Curator: Indeed. It is through analyzing these formal elements that we come to appreciate the true artistry.