Ontwerp voor de Eerste Bossche Wand: De Paus c. 1869 - 1925

This is Antoon Derkinderen’s preparatory drawing for The First Bosch Panel: The Pope, made using graphite on paper. Notice how the controlled gradations of grey, achieved with the pencil, give a sense of form and depth to the figures and architectural details. Derkinderen employs traditional fine art techniques here to depict a scene imbued with social and cultural significance. The choice of graphite allows for precision and detail, evident in the rendering of the Pope's vestments, and the faces of the figures. Given Derkinderen's traditional training, it's intriguing to see him embracing an Arts and Crafts ethos in his broader practice. His commitment to detailed, handmade design aligns with the movement’s values, bridging fine art and craft. The drawing’s purpose as a design for a mural also indicates a desire to integrate art into everyday life, a key tenet of the Arts and Crafts movement. By examining materials, making, and context, we appreciate the full meaning of Derkinderen's artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.