Vogels 1885 - 1931

Editor: This is "Vogels," a page from Willem Bastiaan Tholen's sketchbook, dating somewhere between 1885 and 1931. It’s a collection of pencil and pen sketches of birds on toned paper, and it strikes me as very immediate and personal – like a quick glimpse into the artist’s mind. What do you make of it? Curator: You know, when I look at this, I don't just see birds. I see a moment – a fleeting observation transformed into something tangible. I love how the toned paper provides a subtle warmth, making the sketches feel almost like memories captured in graphite and ink. Doesn’t it make you wonder about Tholen's fascination with these creatures? What could they have symbolized for him? Editor: That's a beautiful thought! I hadn't considered the symbolic aspect. I was mainly focused on the technique – the varying line weights, the different levels of detail… Do you think it's fair to say that these are merely studies? Curator: Perhaps, but “merely” doesn’t do it justice, does it? It's through these seemingly simple sketches that artists like Tholen sharpen their vision, understand form and movement. The imprecision of some lines actually gives life to the composition! Consider the freedom in his strokes – do they remind you of something? Maybe a haiku about a windy day? Editor: Oh, that's a lovely way to put it. I definitely see the value in that more now – not just studies, but seeds of artistic understanding. Curator: Exactly. Art isn't always about grand statements. Sometimes, it's about the quiet conversations we have with the world, captured in a sketchbook page like this. Thanks to you for that insightful initial response that took us on this trip of rediscovering an unpretentious masterpiece. Editor: And thank you! It’s inspiring to see how much depth can be found in even the simplest sketches, prompting one to start carrying around a small sketchbook again…