Bit 1935 - 1942

Cornelius Christoffels made this drawing, called "Bit," and the careful hatching and layering of the colours suggests watercolour, or maybe gouache. It's an old-fashioned subject, a piece of horse tack, but the rendering has a fresh quality, as if its been made from life. The artist really goes for it in the metallic surfaces, capturing the sheen and shadow with a keen eye. Take a look at how he picks out the details, the small floral patterns along the side, and the coiled springs, all rendered with such tenderness. He doesn't get bogged down in description but rather embraces the process, making each mark count. It reminds me of the drawings of Albrecht Dürer. Both share a similar fascination with the textures and details of everyday objects, transforming them into something extraordinary. Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether we know what a "bit" is; this drawing is an invitation to look closely, to revel in the beauty of the world, and to celebrate the act of seeing.