Monnik met boek 1884 - 1952

Curator: This is a drawing titled "Monnik met boek," or "Monk with Book," made with ink on paper by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries sometime between 1884 and 1952. What are your first impressions? Editor: Spare, almost severe. It's striking how economical the lines are; so little detail, yet it conveys the essence of a monk absorbed in his book. It makes me think about the simplicity of the monastic life, perhaps the artist intended this with the reduced resources used in the production. Curator: Absolutely. The austerity is quite potent. It's as if de Vries is deliberately stripping away any superfluous detail to focus on the pure, unadulterated act of reading and devotion, isn't it? I wonder, was this a personal reflection, a silent conversation he was having with himself on canvas about solitude, learning, and contemplation? Or simply an exploration of what it meant to find spirituality in material processes of making a figure. Editor: Maybe. Considering it's ink on paper, we also must discuss the context: was ink easily available to the artist, where was the paper made? You have to consider all resources and labor used, because it allows to establish more profound discussions on consumption or accessibility of resources for artistic creation. Perhaps the reduced detail derives from lack of better material. Curator: I love how you make me reflect about my approach! Your analysis gives it so many readings, and shifts my focus a bit. Looking again to the very deliberate placement of each line… and there's something almost sacred in the blank spaces, which invite the divine, and where any thought can take root. And I appreciate your reading it through accessibility lens; makes me reflect even on religious institutions and knowledge access through labor distribution. Editor: Right? So, where was this work initially displayed? Curator: It's part of a larger collection, mostly sketchbook work it seems. So it seems more about a study of character and form more than a presentation of skilled finished piece. It gives me a sense of the artist's own quest for understanding, on his personal and professional practices.. Editor: A labor and material reflection in itself... That´s why I think de Vries challenges us, and by doing that, creates more discussion about artistic processes. Curator: You are right! So many meanings can be revealed, just considering every resource that shaped the creation, which impacts both process and purpose. Thank you! Editor: Thanks to you!