Winter 1744

Jacob de Wit created this drawing, "Winter," sometime between 1695 and 1754, using pen and brown ink, with grey and white wash, on brownish paper. While the composition may seem conventional, its materials offer insight into the artist's process. De Wit uses traditional drawing materials, but with a distinct approach. The brown ink defines the figures, while the grey and white washes create tonal depth, giving the scene a sense of cold and atmosphere. The choice of brownish paper as a base is particularly noteworthy. Rather than using pristine white paper, de Wit opts for a pre-toned surface, which not only speeds up the drawing process, but also adds warmth to the scene. The labor-intensive process of layering washes builds texture and depth. By combining traditional materials with subtle innovations, de Wit elevates a simple drawing of a winter scene into a meditation on the passage of time and the human condition.