Studieblad met zeilschepen c. 1825 - 1875

This is a drawing called "Studieblad met zeilschepen" by Petrus Johannes Schotel, held at the Rijksmuseum. It presents a series of sailboats sketched with graphite, giving a glimpse into the artist's study of maritime forms. The composition is dynamic; it captures the essence of vessels in motion, the lines varying in pressure and density, creating a sense of depth and movement. Schotel's formal approach invites us to think about how drawing captures not just the appearance of objects, but also the sensation of wind and water. The sails billow with an unseen breeze, and the hulls cut through imagined waves. Through the semiotic lens, each line and shadow functions as a signifier, building a network of meaning. The drawing destabilizes the traditional notion of a finished artwork by presenting itself as a study. This invites the viewer to consider the creative process and the way an artist engages with the world through observation and representation.