Boereninterieur, Bij 't Kalfje Possibly 1903 - 1915

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this drawing, Boereninterieur, Bij 't Kalfje, with black chalk, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The artist uses a limited palette, focusing on tonal variation, which helps to create depth and a sense of space. I love how the texture of the chalk creates a sense of grittiness, which suits the subject matter of a rustic interior. Look closely and you’ll see how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up the shadows, giving the drawing a three-dimensional quality. I find that the darks around the doorway at the back really suck you into the piece. The light, sketch-like touch really allows for a sense of both structure and decay, if that makes sense! This piece reminds me of the work of other Dutch Masters, like Rembrandt, who also used light and shadow to create drama and mood. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to appreciate the beauty in the everyday and the skill of the artist in capturing it.