Tekening 'La mer calme' met schip op rustig water c. 1855

Eduard Isaac Asser made this drawing of a calm sea with a ship sometime in the 19th century. It’s created with pen and brush in brown ink, a very traditional method. The sepia tone gives the artwork a timeless quality. You can almost feel the stillness of the water through the delicate strokes of the pen and the subtle washes of the brush. The figures on the shore, the boats gently bobbing on the water, and the distant tower all contribute to the overall serenity. What's interesting is the way Asser has used a relatively simple, accessible medium like ink to create such a detailed and evocative scene. It reminds us that the beauty and value of an artwork often lies not in the materials themselves, but in the skill and vision of the artist. It challenges the traditional hierarchy that places painting above drawing, and both above other forms of craft. It highlights the importance of appreciating the craft, skill, and context behind every artwork we encounter.