De zonen van Sceva worden aangevallen door een bezeten man (?) 1610 - 1652

Pieter Fransz de Grebber made this drawing of ‘The sons of Sceva attacked by a possessed man(?)’ with graphite on paper. The use of graphite is an interesting choice for the time. Graphite became more widely available in the 16th century, and it offered a convenience that traditional methods like silverpoint or charcoal couldn't match. Here, the artist uses graphite’s soft, almost smudgy quality to create a sense of frenetic motion. Look closely, and you can see how the artist layered the graphite to build up tone and volume, giving the figures a tangible presence. It’s a relatively quick and direct medium, allowing for spontaneity. You can almost feel the energy of the artist as he captures this chaotic scene, with figures flailing and wrestling within the picture plane. In that sense, the use of graphite is not just a technical choice, but one that aligns with the dynamic and dramatic content of the drawing itself. It speaks to the artist's intention to capture a moment of raw intensity, prioritizing immediacy and expression. It's a good reminder that even the simplest material choices can profoundly shape our experience of an artwork.