The Historic Landing 1913 - 1915

Frank Brangwyn made this drawing called 'The Historic Landing' with ink on paper, though we don't know exactly when. The way the ink is splashed and spread across the page, it gives me the feeling that Brangwyn was really in the moment, letting the image come to life through the act of drawing. The ink is mostly dark, almost black, and it’s laid down in bold strokes, creating a strong contrast against the white of the paper. Look at the way the lines vary in thickness, some are delicate and wispy, others are thick and heavy. The way Brangwyn contrasts the almost frantic energy of the sea and ship with the stolid figures on the shore reminds me of Kathe Kollwitz. Like Kollwitz, Brangwyn isn’t afraid to leave things unfinished, allowing the drawing to feel raw and immediate. It’s as if we’re seeing the artist’s thoughts take shape right before our eyes. For me, this piece really highlights art’s capacity to capture not just what we see, but how we feel and experience the world.