Studies van een lezende vrouw en spelende kat 1892 - 1916

Rik Wouters made this series of Studies van een lezende vrouw en spelende kat with pen and ink, and what's striking is the immediacy and flow of his line. The marks are so direct, it's like watching the thoughts form on the page. It's a real testament to the beauty and the complexity of process. Looking closely at the cat, a flurry of short, sharp lines captures its restless energy and playful spirit. There is a real sense of animation and humor within the piece. You can imagine Wouters sketching quickly, trying to capture the fleeting movements of his subject. These are not static, formal drawings, but lively studies full of character and movement. Wouters’ approach reminds me of Picasso’s line drawings – each one full of confidence and exuberance. Both artists embrace the sketch as a space for experimentation, and their works celebrate the joy of seeing and drawing. For both, art is about exploration, discovery, and open-ended conversations between artists across time.