Eene schermutseling 1894 - 1959

This is “Eene schermutseling”, made by an artist with the initials G.J.. The monochromatic images present twelve vignettes, and I get the sense that each was laid down with great attention to line and gesture, giving the whole a sense of liveliness. What strikes me about this work is the way the artist uses a limited palette. They achieve such depth and variation, proving that it's not just about the quantity of colours, but about how they're used. Note the way the browns build shadows. The colour is thin and translucent, like watercolour. The artist has allowed the paper to show through, creating a sense of light and airiness. Look closely at how the artist delineates form with shadow, they make bold strokes that define the musculature of a horse, for example. This piece reminds me a bit of work by someone like George Grosz, with its linear qualities and social narratives. But there's also something uniquely charming about it, a kind of unpretentious storytelling. It’s a testament to how art can embrace simplicity and still deliver profound meaning.