Poes Lola c. 1887 - 1888

Willem Witsen made this sketch, Poes Lola, with charcoal on paper. The pale warmth of the paper is activated by the contrast of dark lines that capture a moment in time. Through a formal lens, we see how the artist used a deliberate composition to evoke specific feelings. The dynamic lines and use of contrast suggest movement. The charcoal rendering blurs the distinction between realism and abstraction. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists began to challenge traditional modes of representation, seeking to capture not just the likeness of a subject but also its essence. This approach reflects broader shifts in thinking about perception, reality, and representation, mirroring ideas explored in philosophy and literature. Ultimately, this sketch invites us to reflect on the nature of artistic expression and how it can destabilize established meanings, prompting us to consider the endless possibilities of interpretation.