Notitie c. 1886 - 1890

This is 'Notitie', a blank page drawn by Maria Vos, and held at the Rijksmuseum. Though seemingly devoid of symbolism, the blank page itself speaks volumes. Throughout history, the blank page has represented potential, possibility, and the unknown. From ancient parchment scrolls awaiting the scribe's hand to the canvases of Renaissance masters, it invites creation. Yet, it is also a reflection of absence, of something yet to be determined. Think of Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, filled with sketches and ideas, each page a testament to his restless mind. Consider, too, the works of artists like Robert Rauschenberg, whose 'White Paintings' challenged the very notion of what constitutes art. Here, the empty page transcends its material form to become a powerful symbol of the human condition – our innate desire to fill the void, to leave our mark upon the world. Like an open doorway into our subconscious, it compels us to confront our fears and aspirations, inviting us to project our inner selves onto its receptive surface.