Coolen verjaagt vogels uit de rijstvelden, ca. 1820-1850 1850 - 1950

This drawing, made in Java sometime between 1820 and 1850 by an anonymous artist, uses graphite on paper to depict a figure with a long stick in the rice fields. The choice of graphite, a readily available material, speaks to the practical nature of the artwork, possibly intended as a study or record rather than a formal piece. The varying tones achieved with graphite create depth and texture, emphasizing the density of the rice field and the active motion of the figure warding off birds. It invites us to consider the labor involved in rice cultivation, a critical aspect of Javanese life and economy. The simplicity of the medium belies the complexity of the scene, capturing the relationship between the worker, the land, and the natural elements. Ultimately, this drawing prompts us to reflect on the significance of everyday materials in documenting and understanding the social context of art, blurring the boundaries between documentation and artistic expression.