Kip en liggende honden 1890 - 1946

Here we see Cornelis Vreedenburgh’s study of a chicken and reclining dogs, made with graphite on paper. In this work, the artist engages in a traditional mode of art-making by depicting a conventional subject through drawing, a practice that stretches back millennia. While the medium is simple, the skilled application of graphite creates varying textures and tones, bringing life to the composition. The softness of the graphite allows for delicate shading, while the artist's hand skillfully captures the nuances of form and surface. However, it’s important to note that the paper itself has an industrial history, reflective of a more modern mode of production. The social context of this work is therefore tied to the materials and production of the image, raising questions of value and artistic labor. So, by considering materials, making, and context, we can understand the full meaning of Vreedenburgh’s artwork.