Tobbeteye eeneront (Original Title) 1645

This drawing, titled "Tobbeteye eeneront," was made in 1645 by Jan Jansz. van de Velde III, using pen and brown ink. The stippling and hatching, achieved with a fine nib, describe the figure emerging from a woven basket. The layered strokes build depth, suggesting the basket’s texture and the figure’s three-dimensionality. The choice of brown ink lends an earthy tone, evoking the natural materials of the basket, and emphasizing the contrast between the organic forms of the plants and creatures, with the man-made object that conceals the figure. Given the labor-intensive production of ink drawings, it is safe to say that the making of "Tobbeteye eeneront," was a product of considerable time, and a conscious choice of tools and techniques. The finished drawing would likely have been a treasured item of curiosity. Paying attention to materials, making, and context, opens up our understanding of the drawing and invites us to challenge conventional notions of fine art and craft.