Man en vrouw, de hoofden naar elkaar gebogen 1849 - 1917

This sketch of a man and woman, heads inclined towards each other, was made by Matthijs Maris using graphite on paper. Looking at the surface, it's clear that Maris was interested in mark-making. The lines are built up layer by layer to create a hazy image. It's almost as if the figures are emerging from a mist. It’s worth noting the choice of materials here – graphite and paper are inexpensive and readily available. This suggests that the artist was less concerned with creating a finished masterpiece and more interested in exploring the possibilities of the medium. The grid of the paper is visible beneath the drawing. It’s a reminder of the inherent structure underlying the apparent freedom of the sketch, and the everyday life that art emerges from. Ultimately, this sketch encourages us to consider the labor involved in the artistic process, and how materials can be used to convey emotion and meaning. It challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a finished work of art.