Huizen aan het water 1900 - 1931

Jacob Bendien made this print, Huizen aan het water, using graphite on paper. This work is executed using the traditional technique of pencil drawing to render a landscape. Bendien’s approach emphasizes the tactile quality of graphite: the varying pressure of the pencil across the page, and the subtle gradations of tone that can be achieved through layering. The texture of the paper itself becomes an integral part of the image, with its slight toothiness contributing to the overall visual effect. This print invites us to consider the labor involved in its creation, with countless strokes of the pencil carefully applied to build up depth and shadow. Looking closely, one sees how Bendien has exploited the material qualities of graphite to create a nuanced, atmospheric depiction. This print blurs the boundaries between the fine arts and traditional draftsmanship. It reminds us that the means of production are just as important as the final product, and that the value of art lies not only in its aesthetic appeal, but also in the skill and effort required to bring it into being.