Abklatsch van een krijttekening 1890 - 1931

Willem Bastiaan Tholen created this drawing using chalk and paper, demonstrating a keen engagement with traditional materials. However, the 'Abklatsch' in the title, meaning 'rubbing' or 'transfer,' hints at an intriguing process. It suggests that the image we see is not the original drawing but rather a print created by transferring chalk from one surface to another, a technique that sits intriguingly between drawing and printmaking. The subtle texture and weight of the chalk on paper reveal much about Tholen's technique, which, in turn, imbues the work with cultural significance. The process transforms a unique drawing into something reproducible, echoing the increasing industrialization and reproducibility of images during Tholen's time. So, by considering the materials, making, and context, we can appreciate Tholen's work, which challenges distinctions between fine art and craft, and raises questions about originality and reproduction.