Schaapherder achter zijn kudde c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this drawing, "Schaapherder achter zijn kudde", with graphite on paper. It's an evocative work, and the material plays a crucial role in its effect. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke. The relative softness of graphite allows Witsen to create both sharp, defined lines and smudged, blurry areas that imply movement and texture. Note how the strokes vary from light, barely-there suggestions of the sheep to the dense, dark lines that define the shepherd's coat. These textures are what bring the work to life. While graphite is a relatively common material, the skill required to wield it in such an expressive way elevates the drawing. It allows Witsen to capture a fleeting moment and communicate the feeling of being in the presence of this shepherd and his flock. It reminds us that art isn't just about the subject, but about the act of making and how the artist uses their materials to bring a vision to life.