Zittende en knielende figuren en cirkels c. 1889 - 1891

This sketch by Antoon Derkinderen, made with graphite on paper, shows figures and circles in an exploratory way. Graphite, a form of carbon, is notable here, a common material that yields a surprising range of effects. The artist's hand is evident in the varying pressure of the lines, from bold outlines to soft shading. The lines, rapidly sketched, capture a sense of movement, and the physical act of drawing becomes integral to the work's aesthetic. The medium allows for corrections and adjustments, revealing the artist's process of refinement, while its lightness allows an insight into Derkinderen’s exploration of form. Derkinderen’s choice of graphite democratizes the artistic process, making art accessible and free. This echoes the wider social context of artistic exploration, where the boundaries between high art and everyday life blur, and we see the importance of materials in challenging traditional art.