Kippen en vogels 1885 - 1931

Editor: So, this is "Kippen en vogels," or "Chickens and Birds," by Willem Bastiaan Tholen, probably made sometime between 1885 and 1931. It's a pencil drawing on paper at the Rijksmuseum. It has a kind of raw, immediate feel to it because of the visible pencil strokes. What do you see in terms of the composition, and how does it affect your interpretation? Curator: The composition is certainly intriguing. The artist uses a series of what appears to be quickly rendered studies, focused on the intrinsic shape and volume of the birds. Note the varying perspectives – some heads, some full bodies, and how they relate to each other on the page. This creates a dynamic tension between representation and abstraction. What visual elements do you notice recurring in these figures? Editor: I see the focus on the lines creating a sense of movement or gesture. There are several perspectives, like you said, making my eyes jump between different depictions. Curator: Precisely. Consider the effect of the varying line weights and densities. Observe how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to create volume and depth. It almost vibrates off the page because of these internal contrasts. Also note the formal properties of the support. The choice of paper as a ground lends the piece an intimate, almost personal feel, don’t you think? Editor: Yes, absolutely. Knowing it's a drawing and seeing those sketch lines adds to the immediacy, which makes it feel very personal. I focused a lot on realism at first but can see a bit more of the art through lines and light now. Curator: Indeed. By focusing on the formal elements – line, composition, medium – we can appreciate the artwork beyond its representational value. The sketch becomes a study in itself. Editor: Right, seeing the piece beyond the obvious.