Groep kleine figuren die voor het gezicht van een reus staat c. 1936 - 1940

This graphite drawing by Henk Henriët shows a group of small figures standing before a giant's face. The choice of graphite, a humble material, allows for the creation of delicate lines and subtle gradations of tone. Henriët likely used a range of pencils, each with varying degrees of hardness, to achieve the desired effect. The soft graphite would have been perfect for shading the giant's face, while the harder pencils would have been used to define the tiny figures. By smudging, the artist would have added depth and volume to the drawing, and the eraser would lift graphite from the page, creating highlights and further shaping the forms. Graphite is a relatively inexpensive and readily available material, making it accessible to artists of all backgrounds. The choice of such a common material speaks to the artist's intention of creating a work that is both accessible and relatable, without the need for expensive pigments. The figures stand in silent dialogue, their narrative left open to interpretation.