Landschap met schapen c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this sketch, "Landschap met schapen" – Landscape with Sheep – using graphite and colored pencil. The drawing appears in a sketchbook, the uneven surface revealing traces of previous drawings. Witsen's technique is notable for its speed and efficiency. Graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, allowed him to capture fleeting moments and impressions of the landscape. The colored pencil adds subtle nuances, delineating shapes without unnecessary detail. This economy of means speaks to the practical aspects of art-making, especially in the context of plein-air sketching, where portability and speed are essential. The presence of the sketchbook itself is significant. It served as a portable studio, allowing Witsen to engage directly with his surroundings, and reflect on the economic realities of artistic practice at the time. By considering these materials and the process of making, we can appreciate the work not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its connection to the broader social and economic context in which it was created.