Schetsboek met 19 bladen 1858

This 19-page sketchbook, created in 1858 by Dutch artist Maria Vos, is a prime example of marbling, a decorative technique using paint and water to create intricate patterns. The swirling, almost organic forms are rendered in shades of red, yellow, and black against a base of dark grey. Though not a drawing itself, the sketchbook cover speaks to the artist's appreciation for aesthetics and craftsmanship, suggesting the artistic possibilities that lay within its pages. The artwork is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.