Man in een ligstoel op het dek van een schip c. 1935 - 1936

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this drawing of a man in a deckchair on a ship, we don't know exactly when, but it's all about the immediacy of the pencil on paper. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the paper coming through the marks, especially in the lighter areas. The artist isn't trying to hide the process; instead, the sketchiness becomes part of the story. The quick, confident lines capture the way the light falls on the man's body, suggesting the warmth of the sun and the gentle rocking of the boat. See how the artist uses hatching to build up the shadows? The density of the lines gives weight and volume to the figure, making him feel solid and present, even in this fleeting moment. It reminds me of the drawings of David Hockney. Both artists share a similar interest in capturing everyday life. Ultimately, this sketch reminds us that art doesn't always need to be grand or elaborate to be meaningful.