Abklatsch van de krijttekening op blad 10 verso c. 1915 - 1920

This transfer of a chalk drawing by Willem Witsen sits in the Rijksmuseum. Look at these gentle strokes and soft hues; it's as if the image is emerging from a dream. I can almost imagine Witsen in his studio, working late into the night, layering chalk onto paper, pressing it, and then peeling it away to reveal this delicate impression. I wonder what the original drawing looked like? Was it a landscape, a portrait, or an abstract form? And what was Witsen thinking as he created this piece? Was he experimenting with different techniques, exploring the possibilities of chalk and paper? The texture is so subtle, like a whisper on the surface, inviting you to lean in closer and discover its secrets. There's a quiet intimacy to it, a sense of connection between the artist and the viewer. It reminds me of other artists who have pushed the boundaries of drawing, like Robert Ryman, who explored the nuances of white on white. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art is an ongoing dialogue, a conversation between artists across time and space.