Pluimvee c. 1856 - 1861

This study of chickens was quickly sketched by Cornelis Springer in the 19th century, using graphite on paper. The linear quality achieved with graphite allows for a remarkable representation of form and movement. You can almost feel the chickens pecking and strutting about. Graphite is a relatively simple material, yet it has the capacity to create incredibly detailed and expressive images. In the 1800s, paper became increasingly available, allowing artists to produce sketches like this in greater quantities. The accessibility of these materials democratized the art-making process, moving it away from the exclusive realm of high art. Springer's choice of ordinary barnyard fowl makes this clear. He is bringing the natural world into the realm of art and close observation, rather than high art. By valuing the everyday, Springer elevated it, prompting viewers to reconsider the artistry inherent in the ordinary. It serves as a reminder of how art can be found in the most unassuming of subjects.