Schetsblad met vrouw en putti c. 1720 - 1725

This sketch of a woman and putti was made by Nicolaas Verkolje using graphite on paper. Graphite, essentially pencil lead, has a unique capacity to leave a mark through the simple act of friction. Looking closely, notice the light, feathery strokes, and the subtle gradations achieved through varying pressure. Verkolje's technique is free and expressive. The material invites the artist to work quickly, capturing a sense of movement and spontaneity. This immediacy contrasts with the more formal, polished works that Verkolje was also known for. The choice of graphite on paper also speaks to the function of this work. It is a study, a preparatory sketch intended to explore composition and form. Unlike a finished painting, the graphite medium allows for corrections and adjustments. In this way, the material itself embodies the creative process, blurring the lines between intention and execution.