Boot 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen created this drawing of a boot with a pencil. Its stark lines and tonal contrasts immediately capture our attention. The composition focuses on the boat's structure, with the artist using line to define form. Witsen's sketch exemplifies a structuralist approach to art. Look at how he breaks down the boat into its basic components. Each line functions as a signifier, contributing to an overall system that conveys the essence of the subject matter. The sketch isn't just a representation of a boat, but an exploration of form. The stark contrasts and minimalist approach reflects the artist's concern with the very essence of visual representation. The drawing ultimately invites us to contemplate the structures that underpin our perception and understanding of the world.