Rij toeschouwers (bij een processie?) 1889 - 1944

Herman Moerkerk made this small drawing of a row of onlookers, possibly at a procession, with graphite on paper. The sketchiness of the lines gives the impression of a quickly captured moment, like a snapshot from life. The use of graphite allows for a range of tones, from light grays to deep blacks, creating depth and shadow with economical means. Look at the way the figures are rendered with just a few lines, capturing their forms and postures with an incredible sense of efficiency. I love the way Moerkerk suggests detail without getting bogged down in it. Take the face of the figure on the left, or the shape of the child in the foreground – these are not precise portraits, but they convey a feeling, an atmosphere. Moerkerk's work reminds me of Daumier, who also used drawing to capture the everyday dramas of urban life. Both artists share a similar interest in the human figure and a willingness to embrace imperfection and ambiguity.