Annotatie 1893 - 1897

Willem Witsen created this intriguing annotation, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, using graphite on paper. At first glance, the sketch appears as an exercise in pure line and form, or perhaps an encoding of the artist's thoughts. The composition’s structure reveals two open pages filled with looping, cursive-like strokes that defy immediate legibility. Here, Witsen destabilizes the conventional function of writing. The script resists clarity, prompting us to consider how abstract marks can evoke meaning without direct semantic content. Each stroke bears the trace of the artist's hand, suggesting an intimate glimpse into his creative process. The pale graphite against the muted paper creates a subtle contrast, emphasizing the texture of the lines. This interplay invites us to reflect on the broader questions of representation and interpretation, underscoring the idea that art is not a static entity but a dynamic interplay between creator, artwork, and viewer.