Figuren op een bomschuit voor de kust van Scheveningen 1888 - 1889

Alexander Shilling made this sketch of figures on a boat off the coast of Scheveningen using graphite on paper. Here, the artist's hand is immediately visible, and the drawing’s simple materials—paper and pencil—belie the complexity of the scene. The graphite effortlessly captures the essence of the figures and the boat, implying the rippling water with a few simple strokes. The visible lines suggest that Shilling was capturing a fleeting moment, and the immediacy of the sketch reflects the quick decisions made in its creation. The rough quality hints at the labor of working fishermen; the visible making process connects the drawing to those who worked on the water. The use of a readily available material like graphite also democratizes the art-making process, suggesting that art can be found in everyday life. Paying attention to the materials and techniques used challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft.