Veerboot te Elshout 1860 - 1921

Adolf le Comte rendered this drawing of a ferry in Elshout with graphite on paper. Graphite, a readily available material, allowed for quick sketches, capturing scenes from everyday life. Le Comte’s choice of material emphasizes his subject matter. The drawing brings our attention to the ferry itself, a labor-intensive piece of vernacular design. Likely built by local craftsmen, the ferry is rendered with quick, assured marks. The drawing style is unpretentious, and focused on the workaday reality of the boat. The image is as much about the ferry’s function and materials as it is about the aesthetic experience. By sketching a commonplace scene with graphite, Le Comte elevates the everyday. He prompts us to consider how materials, making, and social context intertwine, challenging traditional divides between fine art and craft.