Abklatsch van de krijttekening op blad 17 verso c. 1840 - 1843

This soft chalk drawing is by Sybrand Altmann and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The almost monochromatic tones immediately strike you; the greys are so subtle, creating an ethereal, dreamlike image. Notice how Altmann uses soft, smudged lines to construct the form. The absence of sharp contours contributes to the figure's ambiguity, challenging our perception of definite forms. This blurring creates a sense of depth, inviting us to question what we see. The technique of 'Abklatsch' – or transfer drawing – adds another layer. It destabilizes the original mark, playing with the idea of reproduction and authenticity. The visual effect is a fading memory, a ghost of an image, hinting at themes of transience and the ephemeral nature of existence. The drawing ultimately asks us to consider the relationship between presence and absence.