Study of Riders 1930s

Cyprián Majerník made this pencil study of riders at an unknown date, likely as part of his wider artmaking process. The rapid, searching marks here create a sense of movement and energy. The texture of the paper shows through the sketch, it’s a kind of ghostly veil. Look at the way the pencil lines vary in weight and direction, building up a sense of form and depth. There's a real economy of line, suggesting the figures of the horses and riders with just a few strokes. The front left horse almost looks like it has two heads - the lines here aren't totally descriptive, leaving space for the viewer to fill in the gaps. The way Majerník uses line to suggest movement reminds me of some of Degas's drawings of dancers. Both artists capture a fleeting moment, embracing the beauty of unfinished, evolving forms. It’s a reminder that art is often about exploration and discovery.