Arabische markt 1865 - 1930

Jac van Looij created this sketch of an Arab market using graphite on paper. Graphite, a basic material, allows the artist to quickly capture a scene, focusing on the overall composition rather than precise details. Van Looij’s technique, with its quick strokes and tonal variations, conveys the bustling energy of the marketplace. The density of the graphite marks indicates areas of activity, such as the crowd behind the horses, while lighter strokes suggest the open sky. The choice of graphite on paper emphasizes the immediacy of the artist's observations, directly linking his hand to the scene. The sketch is evocative of 19th-century European Orientalism, and the perceived exoticism of other cultures. Van Looij captures a moment in time, highlighting the social and economic exchange of the market. Ultimately, the artist's focus on conveying the essence of the scene makes us reconsider the ways in which art making has often been contrasted with other forms of skilled production.