Schetsboek met 32 bladen c. 1895 - 1896

Chris Huidekooper created this sketchbook with 32 sheets of paper sometime during his career. Though simple, the sketchbook gives a sense of what was important to the artist. Note the industrial production of the paper itself, which is made smooth to receive graphite, ink, and other media. The sheets were likely produced in a factory setting by workers. Also consider the binding and the cover, which would have been assembled by hand, and the scale of the object, which is perfect to be carried outdoors, or brought to the location of a commission. This is where Huidekoper’s artistic process began, a space for him to test ideas, and hone his craft. Ultimately, this sketchbook is a reminder that even the simplest of objects can reveal the complex relationships between art, labor, and everyday life. It invites us to look beyond the finished artwork and appreciate the artistry involved in the making process.