Refat Pacha en John Bull aan de Bosporus 1915 - 1925

Patricq Kroon made this drawing, “Refat Pacha en John Bull aan de Bosporus” using graphite and ink, maybe in the early 20th century, a time when political tensions were brewing. I love how Kroon fearlessly puts down those dark, assertive lines, almost like he’s sketching out a plan with a sense of urgency. Looking at the figure of Refat Pacha, the lines are bold and sure, creating a character that is almost cartoonish, almost threatening, while John Bull looks to be enjoying a pipe. The texture created by the varying densities of the graphite gives the drawing a tactile quality, like you could almost feel the weight of the political situation. It reminds me a little of George Grosz, who was making art at a similar time, art that reflected the unrest in society. It's like Kroon and Grosz are in this conversation across time, responding to the world around them with a critical and creative eye.