Schetsboek met 27 bladen c. 1904 - 1912

This sketchbook with 27 pages was made by Ferdinand Oldewelt, although we don't know exactly when. The cover presents itself as a canvas for mark-making, but not in the conventional sense. The mottled pattern of dark brown and tan reminds me of early photographic processes, like a daguerreotype, or maybe even the swirls on a marbled endpaper. Looking closely, I imagine the surface is smooth, almost cool to the touch, unlike the thick impasto of a painting. Each tiny dark spot, like a miniature gesture, contributes to the overall texture and density of the cover. It’s hard to tell exactly how this pattern was achieved – whether it was printed, stained, or some other process entirely. This cover reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, although of course, Martin's work is far more minimal. Still, both invite us to slow down and notice the subtle details that often go unnoticed. Art is an ongoing dialogue, and this sketchbook cover, with its quiet beauty and understated elegance, is a reminder that even the most humble objects can hold unexpected depths.