Vrouw kijkt naar een militair en man met bezem before 1898

Curator: Before us is "Vrouw kijkt naar een militair en man met bezem" an ink drawing on paper, made by Heinrich M. Krabbé sometime before 1898. Editor: It strikes me as rather stark; the monochromatic ink gives it a severe, almost theatrical feel. Curator: The artist used primarily ink, drawing on paper, and the distinct cross-hatching to create shadows. It offers a glimpse into daily life; what story do you imagine unfolds here? The sweep of the broom implies labor. Editor: The way the artist uses line weight and hatching creates a powerful sense of depth and contrast. Notice how it defines the planes of their bodies and clothes, the textures in a relatively limited palette, the tonal range achieved by the manipulation of line. It allows for a powerful narrative scene with limited elements. It gives a mood without being flamboyant. Curator: Certainly, and if we delve into the period it was made in, we see this interplay of labor and class interests with this man appearing more bourgeoise relative to the other two individuals that stand across him. The broom symbolizes a means of control in both a menial manner, but yet provides labor. Editor: Yes, but note also how that central doorway acts as a literal frame. It creates a visual hierarchy drawing our eye from dark to light; almost a metaphor for knowledge emerging. This central figure's placement, staring directly forward is framed by these more occupied working figures is really very striking. Curator: It seems the artist might have been making a larger statement about the common labor in day to day life with such stark contrast and subject matter. What do you take away overall from viewing this image at the Rijksmuseum? Editor: I’m struck by how formal analysis can reveal a great deal about the mood of even seemingly straightforward art and provide a deeper understanding, beyond context, even while context informs the meaning so much.