Studieblad, onder andere met figuren en handen die een stok vasthouden 1849 - 1917

This is a graphite sketch on paper by Matthijs Maris. It's a study sheet of figures and hands holding a stick. The sketch shows the artist's hand at work. He is working out ideas in real-time, and you can see the marks of erasing and starting again, searching for the right lines and shapes. The artist is exploring different ways of representing the human form and its relationship to the objects it interacts with, in this case a stick. The artist uses a combination of techniques to bring the sketch to life, including hatching, cross-hatching, and shading. These techniques allow him to create a sense of depth and volume in the drawing. The artist is also able to capture the movement and gesture of the figures, giving them a sense of life and energy. Looking at this sketch, we are reminded that even the most polished artworks begin with a process of experimentation, a journey of discovery with the humblest of materials.