Twee eenden en een hoofd c. 1883 - 1914

This sketchbook page with "Twee eenden en een hoofd" (Two Ducks and a Head) was created by Floris Arntzenius, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's made using graphite and colored pencil on paper. The apparent casualness of this work belies its significance. This wasn't a painting intended for a formal setting. This was on-the-spot observation of fowl – probably dead, if you look closely – in the artist's immediate environment. Arntzenius recorded his fleeting perceptions directly onto the page. The varying pressure of the graphite and the quick strokes capture the texture of the feathers and the soft forms of the ducks. Note also that the artist didn't feel any need to present the ducks as though alive; they are simply objects for study. Ultimately, this sketchbook page provides an intimate glimpse into Arntzenius's artistic process, reminding us that art is not just about finished products, but also about the daily practice and exploration of materials. It blurs the line between formal art and everyday creative practices.