Meisje aangereden door een paardenkar 1887 - 1916

Willem Pothast made this drawing of a girl hit by a horse-drawn cart with ink on paper. It’s interesting how the monochromatic palette really emphasizes the drama of the scene. The artist uses detailed, precise lines to create a sense of depth and movement. Look at the way the lines vary in thickness, giving volume to the figures and architectural forms. The texture of the paper becomes part of the artwork, adding a tactile quality to the visual experience. The frantic marks around the fallen girl and the outstretched arms of the woman create a sense of urgency and chaos. The blank space around the figures heightens the feeling of isolation and vulnerability. It reminds me of other narrative illustrators, like Aubrey Beardsley, who used fine lines to create intricate and evocative scenes. But Pothast brings a unique sense of immediacy and emotional intensity to this timeless tale of human misfortune.