Strand bij Scheveningen 1899 - 1920

Jan Mankes made this drawing of the beach at Scheveningen, likely with graphite on paper. Look at how the graphite is applied in gentle layers to create a sense of depth. Imagine Mankes squinting at the scene, trying to capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the flat, wide beach and the distant horizon. I love the simplicity of the composition, the way the lines of the shore and the water converge in the distance, creating a feeling of spaciousness and calm. The tiny figures walking along the beach add a touch of human presence, but they don't disrupt the overall sense of tranquility. I imagine Mankes, with his delicate touch and keen eye for detail, carefully building up the image, one soft stroke at a time. It’s like he’s whispering to us, inviting us to pause and appreciate the beauty of this ordinary scene. His commitment to capturing the subtleties of light and atmosphere places his work within a lineage of artists dedicated to observation and introspection.