Monnik met een baard 1827 - 1891

This is ‘Monnik met een baard’, or ‘Monk with a beard’ by Johannes Bosboom, likely made in the mid-19th century. It is a pencil drawing on paper, a traditional medium for quick studies and sketches. The artist has used the pencil to create a range of values, from light grays to dark blacks, to model the form of the monk. Look closely, and you’ll see that the lines are not just outlines; they also create texture and depth. The marks are economical, but convey the folds of the monk’s habit, and the weight of his presence. Bosboom was known for his architectural drawings, and this work reflects that attention to form and structure. Pencil allows for a directness and immediacy, capturing a fleeting moment or impression, yet the artist uses the medium with precision and care, elevating it beyond a mere sketch. It prompts us to consider the value of the handmade in a world increasingly dominated by industrial processes.