Studie 1890 - 1946

Curator: We're looking at "Studie," a pencil drawing by Cornelis Vreedenburgh, which the Rijksmuseum dates sometime between 1890 and 1946. What strikes you immediately? Editor: There's an incredible lightness of touch, isn't there? It seems almost ghostly, the way the pencil barely marks the page. Very ethereal. Curator: Absolutely. Knowing Vreedenburgh, his access to good quality pencils and paper plays a large role. His social standing enabled him to choose fine art materials. Consider the production of these materials; pencil making and paper manufacturing evolved greatly in that time, didn't they? Editor: From a formal perspective, look at how he uses the barest marks to suggest volume and form. There is an area that gives an almost sculptural weight, yet simultaneously conveys a transient quality through that lack of sharp line or definite form. Curator: His application of light is crucial too. This wasn’t mass produced paper. The even light it casts provides perfect illumination in a studio context. Think about the type of studios these were made in at the time... Editor: Agreed. It allows those delicate gradations of tone to really sing. It's all about the contrasts – or lack thereof. The tonal range is quite compressed, forcing our eyes to adjust and to perceive it properly. This compels the observer to adjust themselves, almost leaning in closer in an effort of careful attention. Curator: Attention being so important when understanding a study of form, specifically for production purposes and future works. You can imagine that he did multiple studies like these for a more complex composition or exploration of space, for example. It suggests an economy of material, where use informs process. Editor: Precisely. It gives a strong understanding of form. I leave this piece considering its lightness not as a defect, but perhaps a desired quality by the author to add further aesthetic appeal, something light and fresh in feeling. Curator: Seeing the way the artist worked, how his position afforded him these materials, has been the most interesting element for me.