Schelp op tafel 1887 - 1924

Julie de Graag made this drawing, “Schelp op tafel”, with chalk or graphite on paper. It's amazing to think about Julie, in her studio, with the shell right in front of her, studying its form, feeling its texture, and then, very slowly and methodically, trying to capture its essence on paper. Can you imagine how long it must have taken to build up all those tiny, intricate lines? I really admire her dedication and patience! It’s a bit like Morandi, how he made simple humble subjects glow. But instead of those bottles, here is this singular shell. The way she renders the light, so subtly, gives the shell a luminous quality, as if it's radiating its own inner light. There is a sense of intimacy here, as though we’ve been invited to share a private moment of contemplation with the artist and the shell. Like having the honour to witness an exchange of ideas across time.