Ontwerp voor een juwelenkistje 1913

This "Ontwerp voor een juwelenkistje" is a pencil drawing, by Mathieu Lauweriks. The date isn't clear but it was made at some point in the early 20th century. Looking at this drawing, it's all about the process; you can see the making so clearly. It’s not about hiding the construction, but about revealing it. I love the drafting quality, the fineness of the lines. The texture of the paper is a really soft, fibrous surface. It's a world away from the smooth surfaces of modern digital design. The top view of the jewelry box is interesting - you can see how the artist has focused on that central circle. It's really lovely, the way he has created this radiating effect from the center. It makes me think of a kind of geometric flower, it's so controlled, but at the same time, so natural. I find it compelling to compare this to the work of Gustav Klimt, who was working around the same time. Both were interested in ornamentation, and the combination of geometry and organic form. For both artists, the appeal lies in the way they manage to find harmony between the planned and the spontaneous.