Gezicht op de molen Rijn en Lek te Wijk bij Duurstede Possibly 1906 - 1909

Editor: This is "Gezicht op de molen Rijn en Lek te Wijk bij Duurstede", or "View of the Rijn and Lek Mill at Wijk bij Duurstede," a pencil drawing created sometime between 1906 and 1909 by Willem Witsen, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I'm immediately struck by its sketch-like quality and the interplay of light and shadow created with just a few pencil strokes. What do you see in this piece, looking at it formally? Curator: Precisely. The essence lies within those very strokes. Consider how Witsen articulates space, not through meticulous detail, but through a carefully constructed arrangement of lines and tonal values. Note the dominance of diagonal lines which convey dynamic movement; they contrast starkly with the stasis of more defined shapes within the structure of the mill. Is this intended, perhaps, to depict a moment in time, caught fleetingly by the artist's hand? Editor: That's an interesting point. It feels as if the energy surrounding the mill is almost more present than the mill itself. Could you elaborate on the use of 'tonal values' here? Curator: Indeed. Observe where Witsen chooses to apply heavier pressure, resulting in darker shades, to give a sense of depth. The building is constructed with light planes juxtaposed against dense textures and overlapping geometry, and through this stark contrast the foreground takes prominence, even though it lacks definition of other elements of this sketch. How does the weight of those strokes affect your interpretation of the whole image? Editor: It's curious; the areas of highest contrast really bring it all together, creating something vivid from seemingly disparate strokes. It highlights the materiality of the medium – you can see the artist really engaging with the surface and texture of the paper to create these varied depths. Curator: An astute observation. So, Witsen prompts us to examine the formal qualities within an artistic composition. An investigation which underscores his artistic ability. Editor: Exactly! Considering the use of simple pencil strokes, this piece is a complex investigation of line and form.