Menselijke pols met een breuk in het bot 1836 - 1912

This is a drawing of a human wrist with a bone fracture, created by Isaac Weissenbruch. The work's material is unassuming: humble graphite on paper. But look closely, and you can appreciate the skill and labor involved in the production process. Weissenbruch has used a refined hatching technique to capture the form and texture of the hand. The network of fine lines creates subtle gradations of tone, giving the drawing a sense of depth and volume. A dotted line runs along the arm, suggesting the break in the bone. The artist shows us not just the surface appearance of the wrist, but also a sense of its internal structure. Weissenbruch has used the traditional art materials and processes of draughtsmanship, connecting this artwork to the wider history of anatomical studies. The drawing's scientific and documentary purpose ties it to social issues of medicine, health and well-being. This artwork shows us how close observation and careful rendering can reveal hidden aspects of the human form.