Studieblad met vrouwen in Scheveningse klederdracht 1881 - 1927

Johan Antonie de Jonge made this study sheet of women in Scheveningen costume, likely with graphite on paper. The drawing feels like a moment, a fleeting glance captured with a quick hand, revealing the artist's process. The material aspect here is all about the subtlety of line. The graphite is applied with varying pressure, creating depth and shadow with minimal fuss, isn't it interesting? See the detailed lines around the headscarf of the woman in profile; they create a sense of volume and texture, while the lines around her shoulders and back are much lighter, almost disappearing into the paper. This approach reminds me of drawings by Käthe Kollwitz, who also used line to convey emotion and social commentary. Like Kollwitz, de Jonge captures something essential about his subject, and offers us a glimpse into another time and place, but what is left unsaid is often as important as what is shown.