Twee mannen op het ijs 1751 - 1799

Jacob Cats made this small drawing, "Two Men on the Ice", using pen and brown ink, with a grey wash. The artist's process really shines through here. See how the ink defines the figures with confident strokes, while the wash adds depth and volume, almost like a watercolor. This wasn't just sketching; it was about capturing a fleeting moment on paper. The drawing is full of implied movement - the man slipping, the other helping him up. The choice of medium, readily available and portable, allowed Cats to observe and record everyday life. This wasn't high art in the traditional sense, but rather a direct engagement with the world, using humble materials to create a compelling narrative. The artist's hand, the ink, and the paper – they all contribute to the story being told. In the end, it is the simplicity and directness of the materials and the making process that give this little drawing its enduring appeal.