Lijst van aankopen 1875

George Clausen made this drawing, "Lijst van aankopen," using pencil to create a stark contrast between the pale paper and the dark, energetic lines of his script. The shopping list is arranged vertically, a cascade of notations that fill the frame. The composition is dense and immediate, reflective of a utilitarian purpose. The casual arrangement of elements, like the size of pots, jars, and clothing items, creates a visual rhythm. Clausen meticulously records each item and its price. These lists possess an inherent structure similar to those of minimalist compositions that elevate everyday objects into studies of form and balance. Ultimately, this drawing functions as a semiotic exercise, where the artist employs signs—words and numbers—to represent tangible objects, a testament to how even mundane documentation can reveal the underlying structures of representation. It asks us to reconsider how we assign value and meaning through language and visual form.