Notities 1919

Reijer Stolk created this sketch, titled "Notities," likely in the Netherlands, using graphite on paper. Given Stolk’s birth in 1896 and death in 1945, the context for this work is a period of immense social upheaval, especially in Europe. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, played a crucial role in shaping national identity during this time, curating collections that reflected dominant cultural narratives. But this sketch, with its tentative lines and superimposed text, exists outside the conventions of academic art. The artist seems to be working through thoughts and impressions. Stolk was part of the Dutch resistance during World War II and was executed for his activities. Understanding this piece necessitates consulting historical documents and archives, piecing together the fragmented narratives of the war and its impact on individuals. This is how we appreciate art’s complex relationship to its socio-political context.