Processie 1830

Jacobus Everhardus Josephus van den Berg created this sketch, titled ‘Processie,’ likely in the first half of the 19th century, using graphite on paper. At first glance, the ethereal quality of the graphite might suggest a preliminary study. But consider the way the artist uses the humble pencil, typically a tool for preparatory sketches or technical drawings, to capture a scene of such social significance. Van den Berg’s choice of material elevates a common medium to the realm of fine art. The repetitive, almost industrial, production of graphite pencils contrasts sharply with the unique, handmade quality of the drawing. This contrast subtly highlights the tension between the individual and the collective, mirroring the very subject of the artwork. The work's value isn't just in its final appearance but in understanding the relationship between material, making, and social context. Appreciating the artist's choice of graphite opens up discussions about art, labor, and the rituals of daily life.