Inlandse figuren 1886 - 1947

Pierre Jean Apol produced this study of 'Inlandse figuren' – that is, Indigenous figures – using pencil and watercolor on paper. The thin washes create depth, and the pencil underdrawing captures the figures' dynamic energy, freezing a fleeting moment in time. These quickly rendered sketches offer a window into Apol’s artistic process, revealing the physical act of mark-making. The artist's hand is evident in the fluid brushstrokes and the spontaneous quality of the drawing. In its own way, this is also a portrait of labor. The figures are shown at work, or perhaps paused in a moment of rest. The artist’s own labor comes into play here too, raising interesting questions. Is this a celebration or exploitation of human effort? While the aesthetic quality of the piece is undeniable, its social and ethical dimensions are also relevant. Recognizing the role of both artist and subject in this exchange helps us to appreciate its full significance.