Markt op een plein met bomen 1892 - 1913

Bramine Hubrecht made this sketch of a marketplace with trees, location and date unknown, using pencil on paper. It looks like she was working fast, trying to capture the feeling of the place, its energy and hustle. I love the way the marks are so provisional, like she’s thinking through the image as she draws. Look at the way the lines are built up in layers, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. In some areas, the pencil is applied with a light touch, while in others, the marks are darker and more intense. I am drawn to the cluster of marks toward the center which describe the canopy of a market stall. It's a beautiful example of how a few well-placed lines can suggest form and space. This reminds me of drawings by Manet, particularly his sketches of figures in cafes and parks, where he used a similar shorthand to capture the fleeting moments of modern life. Ultimately, art invites us to slow down, to look more closely, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.