Architectuurstudies, waaronder twee schoorstenen c. 1897 - 1899

Willem Witsen made this sketch, Architectuurstudies, waaronder twee schoorstenen, with graphite on paper. The stark simplicity of graphite belies its significance as a medium intrinsically linked to industry and the rise of mass production. Graphite, derived from mined sources, underwent processing to achieve the desired consistency for drawing. Witsen would likely have used graphite pencils, which encased the refined graphite within wood, allowing for controlled application. Look closely and you'll see how the strokes of the graphite create a sense of depth and volume, delineating the architectural forms with minimal yet precise lines. The chimneys sketched here would likely be connected to factories and industrial sites; they are a mark of the changing world. Through his skillful manipulation of this humble material, Witsen transforms industrial components into aesthetic subjects, reminding us of the profound interconnectedness between artistic expression, material innovation, and broader historical narratives.