Wasgoed met briefje C.G. van Teesling B-1-1 21-2-42 Possibly 1942

Cor van Teesling made this pencil drawing, "Wasgoed met briefje" on February 21st, 1942. I’m really drawn to the way Teesling embraced the process of artmaking here, especially the beautiful subtlety in his mark-making. He built up the image of this laundry with layers of delicate, grey strokes, creating a sense of soft volume and depth. The texture he achieved with the pencil feels so tactile, as if you could almost reach out and touch the fabric. Look at the way he handled the light and shadow around the laundry; the transitions are gradual, almost imperceptible. Then there's the small note or tag, its edges slightly blurred, adding a personal and intimate touch to the scene. Teesling died only nine months after he made this drawing. In a way, this piece reminds me of Morandi's still lifes, ordinary subjects elevated through careful observation and quiet contemplation. It’s a reminder that art can find beauty and meaning in the simplest of things.