Jongen staande bij een cello 1874 - 1925

This is Jan Veth’s drawing of a boy standing next to a cello, made with graphite on paper. The artwork is dominated by its tonal range. Veth masterfully uses gradations of light and shadow to create depth and volume. Notice how the textures are rendered with subtle variations, from the soft folds of the boy’s clothing to the smooth, curved body of the cello. The composition is carefully balanced, with the verticality of the cello contrasting against the boy’s more relaxed pose. The use of light and shadow emphasizes a certain psychological depth. We see the boy’s introspective gaze, framed by the instrument that hints at both discipline and artistic expression. Veth seems less interested in a realistic depiction but rather in exploring the emotional resonance between the boy and his music. The muted palette invites us to consider the artwork’s formal elements beyond mere representation, revealing a quiet meditation on youth, art, and the human condition.