Drie varkens 1876 - 1924

This drawing, "Drie Varkens," was made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, and depicts three pigs sketched in graphite on paper. Dijsselhof's choice of graphite lends a delicate, almost ephemeral quality to the image. The texture of the paper is also intrinsic to the work, giving a soft background for the quick strokes of graphite to come alive. Dijsselhof was deeply engaged with the Arts and Crafts movement, which was against the mass-produced goods of the industrial revolution. With its simplicity, this study can be seen as an embrace of unpretentious materials and mark-making, qualities that were esteemed within the movement. In this context, the choice of such humble materials speaks volumes. The graphite lines and paper aren't trying to be anything other than what they are. By appreciating the honesty of the materials and processes, we can move beyond traditional notions of high art, and instead, appreciate this simple, elegant sketch.