Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 56 c. 1887 - 1891

Editor: We're looking at "Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 56" by Willem Witsen, dating from around 1887-1891. It’s a pencil drawing on paper. To me, it has this almost ghostly, ephemeral quality to it... What catches your eye? Curator: That's a wonderful observation, it certainly does. The "blotted" quality lends itself beautifully to that interpretation. It looks like mist clinging to a forgotten corner of a Dutch landscape. Notice how the almost complete lack of contrast throws any reading of perspective into pleasing ambiguity; and there is some dark line just right of center. Tell me, what might that vertical signify? A tree? A building? A monument, perhaps? Editor: It could be a tree... maybe a lamp post? It’s hard to be sure. It's very dreamlike. I think that lack of certainty really appeals to me, but makes me want to ask: What would Witsen have intended to evoke? Curator: Intention is always a slippery thing! Especially when dealing with a study like this. Knowing Witsen's connection to the Amsterdam Impressionists, it’s tempting to see him chasing the feeling of a transient moment. Capturing the mood rather than documenting a place. What feelings does it bring up for you? Editor: Melancholy, definitely, but also a strange kind of peacefulness. Like a memory fading away. Curator: Beautiful! It's a quiet piece, isn’t it? Art isn’t always about shouting, sometimes, it whispers. Thanks for letting me listen along to your thinking. Editor: And thanks for sharing your expertise! I am left thinking that some of the most affecting pieces leave room for mystery and individual interpretation.