Huifkar van tenen gevlochten 1773 - 1843

Georges Michel made this drawing of a wicker carriage with pencil on paper. The woven carriage is a fascinating example of vernacular design, where the inherent qualities of willow, its flexibility and strength, dictate its form. Michel captures the texture and pattern of the woven wicker, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in its construction, in contrast to the wooden wheels. Note how the pencil lines follow the curved forms of the carriage. The softness of the pencil is well suited to the pliable nature of the material, allowing for the depiction of light and shadow and the impression of three-dimensionality. Weaving traditions are very ancient, and this vehicle reminds us that all technologies, even something as simple as a carriage, are rooted in material knowledge and hand skills. Paying attention to these origins allows us to see the connection between everyday objects and our cultural heritage.