Meisje met een zieke vogel 1917 - 1970

Adrie Vürtheim made this drawing of a girl with a sick bird with pen on paper. I love the way she uses a simple medium like pen and ink to create such a detailed and intimate scene. Look closely at the cross-hatching; it is like Vürtheim is knitting a world into being. The penwork is delicate, almost fragile, which mirrors the tender care the girl is giving to the bird. The small marks add a sense of depth and texture, making you feel like you could reach out and touch the soft feathers of the bird. The way Vürtheim uses the lines to create patterns, from the girl’s dress to the curtains, reminds me of other graphic artists like Gertrude Hermes. There’s a joy in repetition, a celebration of the handmade that I really appreciate. Art isn’t always about big statements; sometimes, it’s the quiet, thoughtful moments that resonate the most.