Boten op de Theems 1888 - 1890

Curator: This sketch, "Boats on the Thames," was created by Willem Witsen between 1888 and 1890. It's currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My immediate impression is one of hazy movement. The graphite strokes give it this ephemeral, almost dreamlike quality. There’s a wonderful roughness to it. Curator: The medium certainly contributes to that. Graphite, as a material, is interesting; its use dates back centuries, acting as this raw, elemental record of observation. And Witsen captures a slice of the Thames using such a simple means. Editor: It feels incredibly modern, despite its age. Is there a reason why the boats appear as though they are shrouded figures? They're present, but lacking clear definition. Curator: That resonates deeply. Water often symbolizes the subconscious, and boats frequently serve as vessels of transition or vehicles for journeys— both literal and metaphorical. Witsen gives them this ethereal weight, like half-formed memories passing through the psychic landscape of the river. Editor: This challenges high art; it's quite rough-hewn. Consider the sketchbook; the paper itself has age and texture. There are ghostly rubbings, accidental markings around each impression of boat, water, city... Witsen embraced the intrinsic, incidental aspects in their craft. It's all right there, completely on display. Curator: Absolutely. The immediacy captures the sensation of being present in that time and place. It speaks to a broader impressionistic approach. The sketch contains all these layers of potential significance. It leaves you with a palpable feeling. Editor: It underscores the human element. The way the artist employed line and gesture speaks volumes about this very rapid way of interpreting space and objects. This makes an intriguing document of not only what was created but also *how* the creator physically and mentally interacted with their subject, almost meditatively. Curator: I agree, our journey into the past resonates with many psychological and cultural connections surrounding journeys. Editor: And its creation embodies the ethos, craft, and raw experience for those of us today.