Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 64 c. 1884 - 1887

Editor: Here we have Willem Witsen's "Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 64," made sometime between 1884 and 1887. It's a mixed-media drawing on paper, utilizing graphite, and held at the Rijksmuseum. The ghostly quality of this image is so striking, like a faded memory. What exactly am I looking at, and what do you see in its process and creation? Curator: Indeed. What intrigues me is not only the 'what' but the 'how.' This "Abklatsch," essentially a transfer or rubbing, reveals a deliberate interest in the means of production. The process itself becomes the subject. It challenges notions of originality and authorship tied to the artist's hand. Do you see how the pressure applied in the rubbing influences the intensity of the image? Editor: Yes, in some areas the graphite seems almost embedded into the paper, while elsewhere it’s incredibly faint. Was this a common technique? Curator: Not necessarily for finished works displayed as art. Rather, this highlights the importance of understanding artistic labor. Witsen's choice to present this transfer suggests he valued the exploration and materiality inherent in reproduction itself, rather than prioritizing the illusion of a singular, masterful creation. Consider the role of paper, graphite, the act of rubbing. What does this reveal about artistic intentions beyond mere representation? Editor: So, it's almost like the labor, the act of transferring, becomes the art, questioning the value we place on unique artwork and elevating the means of production. That's really interesting. I'd always focused on the final image, not the process of getting there. Curator: Precisely! And considering the broader social context, think of the burgeoning industrial reproduction techniques of the late 19th century. Witsen's "Abklatsch" participates in that conversation, exploring the boundaries of art and mechanical reproduction. This piece shows us that sometimes, the process *is* the point.