Russische vissers voor een kruisboot bij Nova Zembla 1880

This sketch of Russian fishermen near a cruise ship at Nova Zembla was made by Louis Apol. The composition is dominated by quickly sketched lines, almost scribbled, which together form figures, shapes and structures. Look at the way Apol uses line to define the forms of the fishermen. The lines vary in thickness and intensity, suggesting depth and shadow despite the sketch's simplicity. The figures and the ship's mast have a central presence, and the rough lines create a sense of movement and immediacy, capturing a fleeting moment in time. This sense of capturing a brief moment, typical of sketches, aligns with the broader artistic concerns of depicting modern life. While seemingly simple, the sketch destabilizes traditional notions of finished artwork, prompting questions about the value of preliminary studies and the artistic process itself. The rapid execution and raw aesthetic serve as a visual code that challenges viewers to look beyond conventional beauty. It invites us to appreciate the value of the unfinished, the fleeting, and the dynamic aspects of artistic creation.