Mast van een zeilschip 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this drawing, ‘Mast van een zeilschip,’ using graphite on paper. It might seem simple, but the choice of graphite is critical. Think about the nature of graphite. It’s not just a material for quick sketches; it's also the stuff of industry. Graphite is a key component in lubricants, crucial for the machinery that drove the very ships Vreedenburgh depicted. The stark lines of the drawing, made with short, precise strokes, give us a glimpse into the ship-building process. It's as if Vreedenburgh isn’t just sketching a ship, but the labor and industry it represents. Sailing, after all, was not just a romantic endeavor, but a crucial component of global trade. This drawing asks us to consider how the tools and materials of art are deeply connected to broader social issues. It bridges the gap between the supposed refinement of art and the gritty realities of labor and production.