St. / Nicolaas 1832 - 1850

Curator: The Rijksmuseum holds this charming piece by Theodorus Johannes Wijnhoven-Hendriksen entitled "St. Nicolaas," created sometime between 1832 and 1850. It's a lovely example of ink drawing, quite unlike what we usually see depicting this figure. Editor: Charming is one word! My immediate impression is...delightfully strange. The rudimentary lines, the splashes of almost arbitrary color... it feels like a folk rendition. There’s a raw energy in its visual language. Curator: Precisely. The composition does lean into a naive style, common for broadsides, which were often associated with folk traditions, though with hints of orientalism showing the diverse sources influencing the artist. Look at the figure of St. Nicholas himself; a stately rider rendered with simple strokes, from whom spills treats—toys, sweets! A wonderful visual representation of his generosity. Editor: And the blue and red patches; notice how they are sparingly, almost randomly applied? There's a push and pull between flat planes and an attempt at dimension. I find the shadow below to be similarly crude, yet evocative! There's a clear lack of perspective and depth, challenging the very concepts of realism and illusion. Curator: It does serve a greater symbolic purpose. This sketch isn’t trying to replicate reality. The artist emphasizes what St. Nicholas *represents* to the children receiving the gifts - bounty, generosity, blessings - an established figure brought low to give! Editor: Right. We could see the childlike style as actually enhancing that intent! By rejecting sophisticated techniques, it mimics the art of a child and draws upon a visual simplicity for connection. I like that this simple pen and ink sketch feels rebellious somehow. Curator: It speaks to a powerful urge within all cultures: to visualize the benevolent bringer of gifts. I always marvel at the ways in which enduring symbols can manifest in unique and deeply personal ways across history. Editor: It seems even in what we might initially see as visually simplistic, there is potential for complex reflection. What seems like a throwaway ink sketch offers some surprises after deeper investigation.