Ontwerp voor het titelblad van De Gijsbrecht van Aemstel c. 1893

This design for a title page by Antoon Derkinderen was rendered in graphite, ink and watercolor. The choice of these materials is interesting. Unlike oil paint on canvas, which can give a sense of deep illusionism, Derkinderen instead opted for a quicker, more portable method. The graphic intensity of the composition is striking, and the artist was clearly interested in how the watery ink and watercolor washes could convey the drama of the scene. But this wasn’t just a practical decision. The artist was surely aware that drawing and printmaking have traditionally been seen as preparatory activities for the fine arts, not ends in themselves. By embracing these media, Derkinderen subtly challenges the hierarchy between ‘high’ art and the more hands-on world of craft. It's a reminder that the means of production are just as important as the final product.