Zeilend schip met op de achtergrond schepen voor anker 1870 - 1931

Curator: This drawing, “Zeilend schip met op de achtergrond schepen voor anker” or "Sailing Ship with Ships Anchored in the Background," by Willem Bastiaan Tholen, made sometime between 1870 and 1931, captures a maritime scene in pencil on paper. It resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My immediate impression is one of serenity tinged with melancholy. The delicate lines create a soft, almost dreamlike quality. There's a stillness in the water and the sky that's quite captivating, and all executed with very clear understanding of tone and composition. Curator: Indeed. Notice the artist's confident handling of the pencil. The subtle gradations in tone suggest depth and atmosphere far beyond the capabilities of line alone, which, I suppose, also refers to his masterful understanding of impressionsim, while capturing elements of realism. He also deployed different hardnesses and techniques in application. Editor: Yes, the medium itself speaks volumes about the process. The swift, gestural strokes hint at a rapid execution, as though Tholen were capturing a fleeting moment. We see a scene from everyday life, created not on a canvas but on paper using a simple material such as pencil to achieve a detailed sense of atmosphere and tone. Curator: Precisely. One also recognizes that he may be referencing older artistic traditions using graphite and pencil, such as drawing practice, sketches for larger paintings and printmaking. Look at the texture in the sky, achieved through layered strokes, versus the smooth rendering of the water. The artist's craft lies not just in depiction but also in the expressive quality of his marks. Editor: It truly makes one think about the labour, in a way. The artist and artisan had a clear set of concerns during the second industrial revolution that have shifted quite a bit in the present moment. There are the vessels themselves, constructed from who knows where, arriving who knows where…It’s beautiful that such a detailed account of their presence exists! Curator: Considering the historical period, this artwork becomes quite intriguing. Tholen lived during a time of immense social and technological change. And you bring a very important perspective to this observation; how those objects arrived to that port is key! Editor: Looking at this piece has really reframed my thinking about how readily available even basic artistic supplies were during this period for creative practice. Curator: And from my end, it reinforces how a skilled hand and discerning eye are foundational in translating complex perceptions onto paper.