Figuur- en kostuumstudies Possibly 1870 - 1872

Cornelis Springer made this drawing in the 19th century, using graphite on paper. The choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks to the practical nature of this sketch. Springer was likely interested in quickly capturing the essential forms and details of the figures and their costumes. The qualities of graphite allows for a range of tonal values, from the softest grays to the deepest blacks, allowing the artist to describe the textures and volumes of the clothing. The use of pencil on paper also suggests a certain intimacy. It's as though we're glimpsing the artist's private thoughts and observations. There's a directness and immediacy to the marks on the page, a sense of the artist's hand at work. In its apparent simplicity, this drawing encourages us to consider the skill and labor involved in capturing a likeness, in freezing a moment in time.