Sketch of three monks sitting side by side 1860

Curator: Here we have Józef Simmler’s “Sketch of three monks sitting side by side,” created in 1860. What impressions do you get? Editor: Immediately, it feels serene, almost ephemeral. The light pencil work gives it a dreamlike quality, a fleeting moment captured. Curator: Indeed. Simmler, known for his academic style, captures the essence of contemplation. Note how the repetition of forms—the rounded hoods, the seated postures—creates a rhythm that echoes their shared experience. The subtle variations in each monk’s pose suggest individuality within the collective. Editor: It’s like he’s trying to reveal their inner lives, the subtle nuances of their characters. Also, I cannot help noticing that small cat! What’s the role of that creature within such a sacred scenery? Curator: Good catch! The cat introduces an element of domesticity and the earthly in a monastic setting. Simmler may be alluding to the integration of spiritual life with everyday realities. Notice, also, that the foreground monk directs his gaze downwards in what I read as deep solemnity, almost penitence, as his cowl overwhelms him, almost detaching his figure from the communal experience. Editor: A moment suspended, captured in graphite. The softness in his gaze brings a new significance to the piece. I’m still hung up on the interplay between light and form here, especially in the draped fabric, adding weight, movement and direction to an almost static scene. Curator: Precisely. Simmler is a master of subtle shading and delicate lines. His pencil brings stillness but evokes, almost paradoxically, movement through the layered application of light. What might seem, at first glance, like a quick study reveals layers of meaning upon closer inspection. Editor: It’s like eavesdropping on a quiet moment. Definitely shifts my understanding. It's those small details that elevate the work to something deeper, don’t you think? Curator: Absolutely. And for me, this Simmler’s sketch goes beyond representation; it invites us to ponder on our own relationship with reflection and introspection.