Strandgezicht met figuren c. 1850 - 1950

This is an undated pencil drawing, "Strandgezicht met figuren," by Monogrammist DS. At first glance, the scene seems almost to fade into the blank paper, with lightly sketched figures populating a wide beach. A thin horizon line separates the expansive sky from the sea, drawing the eye across the landscape. The artist's use of line is particularly striking; each stroke is economical, suggesting form and movement with minimal detail. Notice how the density of lines increases towards the right, creating a focal point with more defined figures and a beach hut. The lines not only depict the figures but also convey the breezy atmosphere of a day at the beach. This piece can be seen as a study in the use of suggestion and negative space, typical of late 19th-century sketches, where the essence of a scene is captured through the mere articulation of forms. The drawing challenges the traditional definition of a finished artwork, inviting us to engage with the process of creation itself.