Vrouw met een kind op haar arm Possibly 1870 - 1877

This is a pencil drawing titled 'Vrouw met een kind op haar arm', by Cornelis Springer. The composition is simple, almost classical, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow to define form. Notice how Springer uses subtle gradations to model the contours of the woman's face and the soft roundness of the child's body. The rapid, almost impressionistic use of the pencil creates a sense of movement and immediacy. The dress suggests a certain weightiness and volume, contrasting with the delicacy of the figures themselves. This juxtaposition draws attention to the material qualities of the drawing. The sketch challenges our understanding of formal portraiture, transforming it into a study of light, shadow, and emotion. It invites us to look beyond the subject matter to appreciate the formal elements that constitute its meaning. The drawing is a testament to how an everyday scene can be transformed into a moment of profound contemplation.