Houten krukken 1849 - 1917

Matthijs Maris made this sketch of wooden stools with graphite on paper. The quick lines and simple composition might lead you to think it’s just a casual study. But look closer, and you'll see that Maris has used the immediacy of drawing to capture a specific quality of these objects. The stools are rendered with close attention to their material presence. You can sense the weight of the wood, the way the joints are assembled, and the slightly awkward stance that gives each stool its character. They seem to have been crafted by hand, likely by someone with limited resources. Maris is interested in these vernacular forms, these objects of everyday use, the kind of thing that would be found in a humble workshop. By giving these utilitarian objects such careful attention, Maris elevates them, suggesting that even the simplest things can be worthy of aesthetic consideration. It blurs the boundary between fine art and craft, urging us to appreciate the artistry inherent in everyday life.