Manskop en notities 1876 - 1924

This sketch was made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, and is crafted from graphite on paper. Graphite, essentially pencil lead, is a humble material, directly connecting artistic expression with everyday writing and sketching. The material’s influence is evident in the soft, grainy texture of the portrait and the accompanying notes. Dijsselhof coaxes delicate tonal variations from the graphite, creating subtle shadows and highlights that bring the sitter to life. The rapid, loose strokes of graphite suggest a sense of immediacy, a fleeting moment captured on paper. But look closely, and you'll see that the paper itself is torn and unfinished, and bears calculations unrelated to the portrait, suggesting a pragmatic and economical use of materials. Dijsselhof elevates this ordinary medium through skilled manipulation and artistic vision, blurring the boundaries between fine art and utilitarian practice.