Duimend kind c. 1883 - 1914

Floris Arntzenius made this quick sketch of a child with an unknown medium on paper. Arntzenius uses soft lines to create a sense of movement and spontaneity, using the inherent qualities of the medium to capture a fleeting moment. The marks are light and delicate, yet they convey a sense of volume and form. The simplicity of the materials and process invites us to consider the social and cultural context in which this drawing was created. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sketching was a common practice among artists for quickly capturing observations from everyday life. The immediacy of this technique allowed artists to document the world around them. By focusing on the materials and making of this artwork, we gain a deeper appreciation for its aesthetic qualities and its historical significance, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.