Abklatsch van de krijttekening op blad 6 recto 1892

This small chalk drawing was made by Willem Cornelis Rip, a Dutch artist born in 1856, towards the end of the 19th century. Rip’s career occurred during a period of immense social change as industrialization grew, impacting class structures and labor practices. Although it is unclear what the subject of the piece is exactly, it shows that even throwaway sketches can provide a portal into the past. It invites us to consider the cultural and social forces that shaped the artist’s view of the world, and how identity is intimately linked to the historical moment. The piece also evokes a sense of mystery, urging us to contemplate the emotional and personal dimensions embedded within seemingly simple compositions.