Staande vrouw die het haar opmaakt 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen made this drawing, "Standing Woman Arranging Her Hair," with graphite on paper. It's an intimate, everyday scene, captured with a straightforward material. The magic of this piece lies in how Witsen used the pencil to create light and shadow, giving depth to a simple sketch. You can almost feel the weight of the woman's robe, and the texture of her hair as she pulls it up. The rapid lines suggest a fleeting moment, a study done quickly, perhaps in preparation for a larger painting. Graphite is a humble material, readily available, making art accessible. It's a medium for the masses, a departure from the precious materials of fine art. The sketch embodies a work ethic of observation and direct engagement with the subject. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that art doesn't always need elaborate materials. It's about seeing, feeling, and translating those experiences onto paper with a simple tool.