Studie van een hand 1868 - 1928

Jan Toorop made this study of a hand using graphite on paper. The texture of the paper support has a tooth to it, meaning it is slightly rough, creating a subtle grain in the drawing as the graphite catches on the surface. The artist has exploited this quality, using the side of the graphite to create areas of tone through rubbing, as well as sharper lines for the definition of the hand. The build-up of graphite, layer upon layer, lends weight to the image. Hands are, of course, essential tools – our primary means of manipulating the material world. They are the instruments by which craftspeople and artists realize their creative vision. This drawing is a wonderful reminder that those hands must also be trained, studied, and understood intimately. It is a celebration of the kind of knowledge that only comes through dedicated practice. Toorop is not only showing us a hand, but also an appreciation for the skill of the hand.