Romeins candelabrum gedecoreerd met bladeren c. 1890 - 1922

This drawing of a Roman candelabrum, decorated with leaves, was made by Johanna van de Kamer with graphite on paper. I can imagine her, sitting in front of it, trying to capture the play of light and shadow on its surface. There’s a real sense of observation here, but also of invention, like she's not just copying what she sees, but actively interpreting it, thinking about how to create form with such simple tools. The density of the graphite suggests the weight of the object, while the delicate hatching brings a sense of movement to the leaves. It makes me think about the conversations artists have across time, each one building on the work of those who came before. Van de Kamer is in dialogue not only with the Roman artists who made the candelabrum but also with generations of artists who have drawn inspiration from classical art. This drawing reminds us that art is not just about the final product, but also about the process of seeing, thinking, and making.