Studie van een groep mensen en soldaten 1831 - 1899

This is a graphite study of a group of people and soldiers by Johannes Jacobus Bertelman, created in the 19th century. Note the drawing's size, just 45 by 71 millimeters: the artwork has an intimate scale. The artist uses dense, energetic marks to build up the figures and architectural setting. A semiotic reading reveals how the soft shading contrasts with the angular lines of the soldiers' armour. The composition creates a sense of depth, drawing the eye from the foreground figures towards the arched doorway in the background. Bertelman destabilizes established meanings by not detailing the narrative. This artistic choice prompts us to consider the artwork not as a representation, but as a study in form and structure. The lack of detail invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene. Through a focus on mark-making, the artist underscores the act of seeing and interpreting.