Drie studies van een bosmuis Possibly 1916 - 1926

This small drawing of three field mice was made by Bernard Willem Wierink. The study presents three variations of the same subject, each defined by delicate lines and subtle tonal gradations. The artist emphasizes the texture of the fur and the anatomical structure of the mice by capturing their distinct postures and attitudes. Wierink’s use of line and form suggests a deeper engagement with structural principles. Each mouse embodies a contained composition; together, they evoke a sense of spatial and temporal exploration on a single plane. The drawing is both an aesthetic representation and a form of inquiry. Wierink challenges conventional methods of observation and depiction by creating a semiotic relationship between subject and viewer, and thus highlighting the intrinsic qualities of the mice. The formal articulation of this study serves as a site for reflection on the nature of representation and the role of art. The artist prompts an ongoing dialogue about how we perceive, interpret, and assign meaning through art.