Notitie c. 1803 - 1818

This drawing ‘Notitie’ was made by Arnoldus Johannes Eymer with graphite on paper. Here we see that drawing is not just about the final image; it's equally about the process of exploration, and the subtle variations in the artist’s hand. The graphite marks on the page reveal Eymer’s way of working. The paper shows the evidence of his artistic labor. The smudges, the light and dark lines, they all speak to a process of thinking and seeing. Each of these marks represents a moment of decision-making, a step in the journey from the artist’s mind to the artwork itself. It’s a democratic medium. In this work we can appreciate the significance of what might typically be considered a preliminary stage. It gives us access to the artist’s practice, and a tangible connection to the act of creation. It reminds us that the value of art lies not only in the finished product, but also in the labor, and the inherent qualities of the materials used.