Moeder met kind op schoot c. 1847 - 1865

Petrus Theodorus van Wijngaerdt created this drawing of a mother and child using graphite on paper. The artist coaxes out the subtleties of light and shadow using graphite, a material valued for its capacity to capture form through tonal gradation, making the figures appear almost lifelike. Looking closely, you can see the cross-hatching and delicate lines which define the forms, and the texture of the paper itself lends a tactile quality to the work. Wijngaerdt, working in the 19th century, engaged with traditions of portraiture, imbuing the image with a sense of intimacy. Consider, too, the labour involved in this kind of highly skilled drawing. It speaks to a culture that valued artistic skill, while reminding us of the countless hours of practice required to achieve such mastery. Paying attention to materials and processes invites us to appreciate the skill involved and social context of the work, challenging any divide between art and craft.