Abklatsch van een krijttekening 1874 - 1923

This chalk drawing transfer was made by Willem Witsen, but the exact date is unknown. The term "Abklatsch" refers to a process akin to making a print from a drawing. The artist would apply chalk to a surface, then transfer the image onto paper, creating a reversed and often softened version of the original. This was a labor-intensive process, demanding precision and careful handling. The subtle texture of the chalk, combined with the pressure of the transfer, gives the work a unique, almost ghostly quality. Witsen's choice of this technique suggests an interest in reproduction, and perhaps a comment on the changing status of the art object itself. In an age of increasing mechanization, this method offered a way to create multiples, but still with the unmistakable trace of the artist's hand. It’s a process that bridges the gap between the unique artwork and the mass-produced image, challenging us to reconsider the value we place on originality.