Schetsboek met 24 bladen c. 1892 - 1897

Willem Witsen made this sketchbook of 24 pages with graphite on paper. These drawings of anonymous hands are imbued with the labor of making art, through touch and the handling of materials. The quick, gestural lines of graphite on paper capture the artist's impressions of the everyday. The texture of the paper supports the expressiveness of the strokes, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The choice of humble materials like graphite and paper reflects a focus on the process of creation itself. This contrasts with the traditional emphasis on polished, finished artworks. Witsen engages with the skilled tradition of draftsmanship, elevating the status of drawing as a legitimate art form. Through this, he challenges traditional hierarchies that privilege painting and sculpture. In essence, Witsen invites us to appreciate the beauty found in simplicity, skill, and direct engagement with materials.