Figuurstudies c. 1884 - 1887

This is a page of figure studies by Willem Witsen. In the swift strokes capturing human forms, we discern more than mere sketches; here lie echoes of the Renaissance masters' exploration of anatomy. Consider the recurring motif of the head and shoulders, a universal symbol of identity and presence. This echoes in ancient busts and reliquaries, where a portrait signifies not just an individual but also embodies collective memory. The sketch captures a moment of introspection, inviting us to ponder on the cyclical dance between existence and remembrance. Just as these sketches resurface, so too does our fascination with the human form persist across time.