Vrouw en twee kinderen bij een lessenaar c. 1858

This sketch of a woman and two children by a lectern, was made by Bastiaan de Poorter sometime in the 19th century. It’s pencil on paper, humble materials for a touching scene. The softness of graphite allows De Poorter to create a hazy atmosphere, blending the figures together. But this isn't just an exercise in aesthetics. The sketch can be understood through its labour. Every line represents a deliberate decision. The artist’s hand moving across the page, capturing a fleeting moment of domesticity. De Poorter's engagement with drawing traditions is apparent in his skilled handling of light and shadow. He elevates a common scene to something sublime. We can see the traditions of academic drawing, but it moves beyond that. He focuses on the quiet dignity of everyday life. By appreciating the materials, making, and context of this artwork, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to reconsider the value of both.