Zittende man en vrouw, de hoofden naar elkaar gewend 1849 - 1917

This sketch of a seated man and woman was made by Matthijs Maris, likely in the late 19th century. It's rendered in pencil on a squared sheet of paper. The artist's process is immediately apparent. The visible, tentative lines invite us to consider Maris's working method. There's a raw, unfinished quality that emphasizes the act of creation itself. The squared paper, likely a common and inexpensive material, further underscores the work’s provisional nature. The drawing is very economical. The minimal use of line and shading directs our attention to the figures’ posture and their implied interaction. The figures are lightly sketched, giving a sense of their presence without being overly descriptive. It is a study in form and composition, where the choice of materials and the artist's process are integral to its meaning. Considering the context in which this drawing was made, we can appreciate how Maris challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft. His exploration of everyday subjects and materials brings art closer to lived experience.