Harlequin and Columbine 1913

Rik Wouters made this drawing of Harlequin and Columbine using wax crayons, a medium often associated with childhood art. The visible strokes reveal the direct, physical engagement between the artist and the paper. Wouters uses a vibrant palette: vivid reds, blues, greens, and purples define the figures and their environment. The colors are not blended but applied in parallel marks, which creates a sense of movement and energy. The textural qualities of the crayons add depth to the composition, the wax resisting a smooth finish and giving each stroke a tactile presence. The choice of crayons, a readily available and inexpensive material, positions this work outside the realm of traditional, high art practices. This aligns it with more accessible forms of creative expression. In this context, Wouters elevates a humble material through skillful application, blurring the lines between fine art and everyday creativity. This work serves as a reminder that profound artistic expression can emerge from the simplest of means.