Studie c. 1901

This charcoal drawing was made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, and it's now held at the Rijksmuseum. It's a study, and the texture of the charcoal is just gorgeous - a dense, soft darkness that feels both heavy and delicate. Look at how Dijsselhof layered the charcoal, building up this velvety surface that almost seems to absorb light. You can practically feel the give of the paper beneath the charcoal, like pushing into a soft carpet. And within this dense field of black, there's this subtle geometric pattern, a grid of squares and diamond shapes that peek through. It's like a hidden order within chaos, or a secret code waiting to be deciphered. This piece reminds me a little of the work of Agnes Martin, particularly in its quiet restraint and focus on subtle variations within a limited framework. Both artists share a belief in the power of simplicity and repetition to create a space for contemplation. In the end, art invites you to slow down, to look closely, and to find meaning in the unexpected.