Abklatsch van de tekening op pagina 27 1893 - 1897

Willem Witsen made this transfer drawing, or Abklatsch, using ink on paper, sometime around the turn of the twentieth century. The process of creating a transfer drawing is quite physical. The artist applies ink to a surface, then presses paper against it to lift the image. This method results in a print-like quality, where the ink is distributed in unpredictable ways, creating textures that are difficult to achieve with a brush or pen alone. Looking closely, we can see subtle variations in tone and density, evidence of the direct contact and pressure involved. Witsen’s choice of this technique is interesting. At a time when industrial printing was becoming increasingly prevalent, he employed a manual, almost artisanal method of reproduction. This approach emphasizes the direct, personal connection between the artist and the material. The process speaks to a fascination with the handmade, and the unique qualities that emerge from physical engagement with materials, underscoring the value of craft within fine art.