Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 15 c. 1897 - 1899

Willem Witsen made this intriguing transfer of a chalk drawing, sometime between 1860 and 1923. The essence of this work lies in its process, a method referred to as "Abklatsch," which literally means "blot" or "impression." In this technique, a drawing is made, then transferred by pressing it onto another surface. The result is a delicate, almost ghostly impression of the original, bearing the marks of the transfer process itself. The choice of chalk as a medium and the transfer technique is interesting. Chalk allows for quick, expressive sketching, ideal for capturing fleeting moments and impressions. The transfer process then adds a layer of removal, as the image is mediated through labor. You see, the artist isn’t just recording a scene, but also engaging in a dialogue with the reproductive potential inherent in printmaking. It's a reminder that even in the most seemingly straightforward of images, materials and making are central to the work's meaning.