Abklatsch van een krijttekening c. 1884 - 1887

This work, titled "Abklatsch van een krijttekening", or "Rubbing of a chalk drawing", was made by Willem Witsen, a Dutch artist who lived from 1860 to 1923. But what does it mean to display a rubbing of a chalk drawing? The act of creating a rubbing suggests a focus on reproduction, perhaps commenting on the increasing accessibility of art through mechanical means during Witsen’s time. The Rijksmuseum, where this work is housed, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of Dutch art history, but what does it mean for them to house an 'Abklatsch'? Museums often display finished, polished works. The presence of this rubbing could be seen as a progressive gesture, challenging traditional notions of artistic value and inviting viewers to consider the artistic process itself. Understanding Witsen’s work requires us to consider the cultural and institutional context in which it was made and displayed. By exploring archives, exhibition catalogs, and period reviews, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex relationship between art, society, and the institutions that mediate our access to it.