Muizen 1883 - 1922

Here are some pencil studies of mice by Johanna van de Kamer. Look at the marks! Imagine how it might have been for her, trying to capture the essence of these quick, furtive creatures. I can imagine van de Kamer feeling a real connection to these little beings, observing their movements, their tiny paws, their twitching noses. What do you think was going through her mind as she drew them? Maybe she was fascinated by their resilience, their ability to survive and thrive in hidden corners. Or maybe she simply appreciated their delicate beauty, the soft curve of their bodies, the way their whiskers catch the light. This drawing reminds me of other artists, like Leonardo da Vinci, who also found inspiration in the natural world, and who used drawing as a way to understand its intricate workings. It shows me that artists are always in conversation with one another, drawing on the past to create something new. The tentative quality of the marks and the lack of a highly-finished surface evokes a sense of openness, inviting us to complete the image, in our minds.