Slepende man 1904 - 1936

Jos Croïn made this etching, Slepende man, with ink on paper. It’s all about the lines, isn’t it? Short, sharp marks that build up the image, but also leave plenty to the imagination. It’s not about perfection, it’s about process, about figuring it out as you go. Look at the figure’s shoulders, the way the lines curve and cross. You can almost feel the weight he is carrying, the slump in his posture. The texture of the cobblestones under his feet is so tactile. And the sky! It’s not just a backdrop, it’s part of the story, full of energy and movement. Croïn reminds me of Kollwitz, another artist who wasn’t afraid to show the rough edges, the struggle. Art isn’t always about beauty, sometimes it’s about bearing witness, about making sense of the world, one line at a time.