Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 22 c. 1887 - 1892

Willem Witsen made this "blot" or "offset" of a chalk drawing in the late 19th or early 20th century. This printmaking process involves transferring an image from one surface to another, resulting in a reversed and often softened or degraded version of the original. The image is made of delicate marks of chalk from the original drawing, now transferred onto a page through careful pressure. The chalk's inherent qualities like its powdery texture and ease of manipulation are key to the image's misty quality. The process of transfer adds another layer of complexity, as the pressure and contact between the surfaces alters the image, creating areas of smudging and blurring. Witsen used a common technique here, but by embracing its potential for accidental beauty, he elevates the method. This piece encourages us to consider the value of experimentation and process in artistic creation, where the act of making becomes as significant as the final product.