Vrouw met een parasol in een lange jurk en mantel 1834 - 1903

This sketch of a woman with a parasol was made by Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch, likely in the late 19th century, using graphite on paper. The artist’s hand is evident in the quick, light strokes that define the woman’s form. The very nature of graphite, its soft, almost greasy texture, allowed Weissenbruch to achieve a range of tonal values with a minimal amount of labor. Notice the smudging and blending, a hallmark of graphite drawing, which gives the image a hazy, atmospheric quality. The choice of graphite, a relatively inexpensive and easily accessible material, speaks to the artist’s interest in capturing fleeting moments and everyday subjects. It also tells us something about the society of the time; during this time pencils containing graphite became common and were closely linked to the industrial revolution, being widely used for industrial drawing. By focusing on the materiality and making of this drawing, we gain a deeper understanding of the artist’s intent and the cultural context in which it was created, moving beyond traditional notions of fine art to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in this seemingly simple sketch.