Studie van twee kinderen 1848 - 1927

Editor: Here we have August Allebé's "Studie van twee kinderen," a pencil drawing dating between 1848 and 1927, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It strikes me as quite intimate, like a glimpse into a private moment. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, a tender glimpse indeed! For me, it’s like stumbling upon a quiet corner of someone's sketchbook. It feels wonderfully unpolished, almost vulnerable, doesn't it? Notice the tentative lines, the way the artist circles around the forms, searching for the essence of these young figures. You almost feel the scratch of the pencil, the artist's breath on the page. Editor: It does have a very immediate feel. Was this typical of Allebé’s approach? Curator: Well, he was known for capturing fleeting moments, and this drawing exemplifies that beautifully. It has this lovely unfinished quality that suggests the transience of childhood itself, don't you think? The artist wasn't trying to create a perfect likeness but rather to capture something more elusive— a feeling, a gesture, a shared connection perhaps. Does it evoke any specific memories for you? Editor: I keep thinking of my own little sister when I see the younger child… that’s probably the feeling you’re talking about! Curator: Precisely! The drawing sparks a personal resonance. I’d imagine Allebé experienced a similar fondness when observing these children. A beautiful, unpretentious moment frozen in time, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. I never would have thought a simple sketch could convey so much emotion. Curator: See, art has a sneaky way of doing that.