Schaap, van achteren gezien c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen created this sketch of a sheep in a sketchbook, using a humble pencil on paper. The immediacy of the medium suggests a spontaneous observation, captured with economical strokes. The soft graphite registers the texture of the sheep's wool, imbuing the animal with a sense of weight and presence, while the blank page contrasts the darkness of the graphite, and conveys light and shadow. The choice of pencil and paper places the emphasis on the artist's skill and direct engagement with the subject. Sketching has always been a crucial process for artists, architects and designers alike to record observations. Through the act of drawing, Witsen developed his ideas. Consider the value we place on the art object, over that of process and experimentation. This unassuming sketch offers a glimpse into the artist's working practice, reminding us that the journey of making is just as important as the finished product.