Kippen c. 1888 - 1901

Anna Catharina Maria van Eeghen created this untitled pencil drawing of chickens on paper. Its visual impact is one of lightness and brevity. The composition consists of four chicken figures distributed across the page, each rendered with delicate lines. The artist captures the essence of the subject with an economy of means, suggesting form and texture through subtle variations in line weight and density. The drawing’s structure, with its sparse yet precise strokes, invites us to consider it as an exercise in pure form. Van Eeghen's emphasis on line and shape challenges traditional notions of representation, prioritizing the exploration of visual language over descriptive detail. The blank space surrounding the figures is as crucial as the drawn elements, creating a visual dialogue between presence and absence. This interplay destabilizes our expectations, urging us to see beyond the subject matter and appreciate the drawing's formal qualities. The drawing stands as a testament to the power of simplicity, showing how even the most unassuming subject can serve as a vehicle for profound artistic expression. This drawing invites us to recognize the limitless possibilities within the most fundamental elements of art.