Figuren c. 1920

Johan Antonie de Jonge made this drawing with graphite on paper, probably sometime in the early 20th century. The stark contrast of the graphite against the paper provides a captivating glimpse into the artist’s creative process. The marks on the paper aren't just lines; they're evidence of the artist's hand at work, making decisions about composition and form. You can see the various levels of pressure exerted, resulting in variations of shading and texture, which in turn provide a sense of depth and volume, almost as though the figures are emerging from the page. The very act of sketching is a tradition intimately connected to the world of labor, and social observation. De Jonge used the technique to explore the ways the world looked and worked, making the case that quick, efficient marks can carry as much meaning as any finished painting. By elevating the sketch to a work of art in its own right, De Jonge challenges the traditional hierarchies between art and craft, and making us rethink the value we place on different kinds of creative practices.