Zittende vrouw met een schotel op haar schoot, naar rechts 1763 - 1826

Abraham van Strij rendered this drawing with graphite on paper, showcasing a seated woman holding a plate. Graphite, a form of carbon, allows for a range of tones and textures depending on the pressure applied. The varying pressure used to create this drawing is evident in the woman’s dress, where shading gives the fabric a weighty, three-dimensional quality. Her expression, though subtle, conveys a sense of quiet contemplation. The choice of such humble materials is notable. Van Strij elevates an everyday scene of labor through his skilled application of graphite, traditionally a preliminary medium. This brings it closer to the status of a finished work of art. Ultimately, the drawing reminds us that even the simplest materials can be imbued with profound artistic expression. It encourages us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in transforming ordinary scenes into meaningful artworks, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.