Zeilschepen 1900 - 1931

Willem Bastiaan Tholen rendered this sketch of sailboats with pencil on paper. Tholen came of age in a period of Dutch art history where artists were seeking to represent a more truthful depiction of the world around them, often turning to the landscape for inspiration. There is a quiet quality in this piece, and it feels distinctly personal, like a glimpse into a private moment. In this drawing, the sailboats seem to float effortlessly on the page, unburdened by the weight of the world. The simplicity of the lines and the unadorned composition speak to a desire for authenticity, an attempt to capture the essence of a scene without artifice. "I do not paint masterpieces, I just try to paint well" Tholen once said, underscoring his dedication to craftsmanship over grandiosity. Ultimately, this sketch is a testament to the enduring power of art to connect us to the world and to ourselves, inviting viewers to contemplate the simple beauty that surrounds us.