Zeegezicht c. 1850 - 1950

This understated pencil drawing, ‘Zeegezicht,’ was made by the Dutch artist Monogrammist DS around the turn of the 20th century. The artist used graphite pencil, a readily available industrial material, to quickly capture the features of the land and sky. The texture of the pencil on paper gives a sense of immediacy. The hand-drawn lines create the impression of a fleeting moment, a sketch done on site. In terms of labor, the drawing’s appeal lies partly in its efficiency. It suggests the artist, recording their impressions in real-time. Graphite as a medium democratized image-making, because of its affordability and ease of use, making it a popular choice during this period to record observations quickly. The artist’s choice of such a simple medium suggests that artistic intention and concept are paramount. With just a few strokes, an artist can conjure a sense of place and time. This work invites us to consider the meaning imbued through the creative process.