Schetsboek met 46 bladen c. 1845 - 1891

This is a sketchbook with 46 leaves by Johannes Bosboom. We don't know exactly when it was made, but it gives us a great window into the artistic process. The book itself is a humble object, likely bound by a tradesperson, in simple card stock and leather. Its modest scale and flexible binding imply portability, something to be carried and used in the field. As such, the book is more than just a container. The texture of the pages, the way they accept charcoal or pencil, the very feel of the binding – all of these contribute to the artist's practice. Bosboom likely acquired it ready-made from a stationer. Consider the social context – the rise of industrial bookbinding, making sketchbooks like this readily available. This availability democratized artistic practice, enabling artists like Bosboom to capture their visions wherever they found them. Ultimately, this sketchbook exemplifies how everyday materials and processes underpin artistic creation, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.