Strand 1850 - 1920

Piet Schipperus made this drawing of a beach scene with pen in gray ink and brush in gray wash. The material and processes used in this artwork, pen and wash, were well-established artistic traditions. Yet, the monochromatic palette and the artist's attention to the natural world, lends itself to the social context of 19th-century realism. The work's appearance is deeply influenced by the fluidity of the ink, allowing for nuanced gradations of tone and texture to capture the atmospheric conditions. It captures the interplay of light and shadow on the beach. The skilled application of wash creates depth and volume, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the dramatic sky and reflective wet sand. Schipperus creates an affecting image of labor through his attention to the man and horse depicted, as well as the work put into producing the drawing itself. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we gain a richer appreciation for the artist's vision, recognizing how artistic skill intersects with broader cultural concerns of the era.