Oudere man en vrouw, naast elkaar staand 1827 - 1891

This is a study of an older man and woman, made by Johannes Bosboom using graphite on paper. Rather than focusing on high art materials, Bosboom chose the humble pencil, something available to almost anyone, reflecting the subjects he depicted. Look closely, and you'll see how the varying pressure of the pencil creates depth and texture. The quick, light strokes suggest a fleeting moment, captured with immediacy. The softness of the graphite lends a gentle quality to the figures, emphasizing their age and quiet dignity. This wasn’t some grand commission, but a simple sketch, likely done from life. The very act of drawing, of spending time observing these ordinary people, elevates them. It acknowledges their existence, their labor, and their place in the world. Bosboom’s choice of such a simple medium underscores the value he placed on the everyday. This challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, inviting us to consider the beauty and worth of the common person, rendered with the simplest of means.