Studieblad met schapen en een landschap c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this study sheet of sheep and landscape using graphite on paper. This work offers a window into the artist’s process. The immediacy of graphite captures fleeting moments, its powdery texture allowing for quick sketches and tonal variations. Witsen's confident strokes bring these sheep to life. He experiments with light and shadow, describing the animal’s woolly forms. Graphite, though seemingly simple, is capable of great depth and subtlety. It is the perfect medium for an artist seeking to capture the essence of a scene with efficiency. These sketches provide insight into the artist's preparation for larger works, where the humble material of graphite becomes a vital tool in the development of artistic vision. It reminds us that even the most seemingly ordinary materials can be used to explore and express complex ideas.