Zusjes in avondkleding bekijken twee jongemannen before 1905

Anna Maria Kruijff made this drawing of sisters checking out two young men, with what looks like a graphite stick, judging by the marks. I love to imagine Kruijff in her studio, or maybe she sketched this on location, quickly, capturing the essence of the moment. I wonder what she was thinking as she rendered these figures, the women’s sidelong glances, the stiff posture of the men, all rendered with such delicacy. The way she uses line to define the dresses, creating volume and texture, is masterful. Each stroke feels intentional, building up the image gradually. I find myself drawn to the subtle shading that gives depth to the scene, suggesting both the opulence and the formality. You can see the influence of past masters, like Degas, maybe, in the informal composition and candid feel. Artists are always talking to one another across time. Each mark carries a bit of that conversation, echoing and responding to what came before.