Vis, liggend naar links, met inkepingen 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard made this drawing of a fish in ink, sometime around the turn of the 19th century. It’s a humble thing: just a study on paper, quickly capturing the essence of this creature. But think about the labor that is embedded here. First, the fisherman who caught it, braving the elements. Then, the artist, trained in the careful observation and skillful application of ink wash. The whole endeavor reminds us that even the simplest image involves complex social and economic networks. Consider the way Bernard used the ink to render the fish’s scales. Each stroke reveals an understanding of form and light, a sensitivity to the creature’s texture. But this isn’t just a neutral record; it's an interpretation. This simple drawing is a reminder that art isn't separate from the world, but deeply intertwined with it, reflecting both the artist's skill and the broader conditions of life.