Spelende jongens en meisjes 1865 - 1913

This study of playing boys and girls was made by Bramine Hubrecht, using graphite on paper. Graphite is a form of carbon, and the tool itself is quite simple: a mineral encased in wood. But consider the way the artist deploys it here. The quick, energetic lines capture movement and gesture, revealing the artist's skill in using this humble material to convey a sense of liveliness. Look at how Hubrecht uses the varying pressure of the graphite to create depth and shadow, giving the figures a sense of volume and presence. Hubrecht used line drawings to swiftly capture a group of figures and translate them onto paper. This was a practice employed throughout art history, and is still in use today by draftsmen, designers, and architects. Though not as technically challenging as painting, it is no less a sophisticated skill. Ultimately, understanding the material and process behind this sketch allows us to appreciate Hubrecht's artistic ability, and her place within a broader historical context.