Maria met Christuskind, zittend op de troon van Salomo c. 1869 - 1925

Antoon Derkinderen made this image of Mary and the Christ Child sitting on Solomon's throne using pencil and watercolor. You can see how the artist used the characteristics of the materials to create a sense of depth and texture in the piece. With its translucent washes, the watercolor lends itself well to the ethereal quality of the subject matter. The pencil work is clearly visible beneath the watercolor, adding definition to the forms, and creating a sense of underlying structure. The texture of the paper also plays a role, its slight roughness gives the image a tactile quality. Derkinderen’s choice of modest materials reflects the traditions of manuscript illumination, reminding us of the labor and skill involved in such art forms. The deliberate combination of drawing and watercolor techniques also reflects the artist's grounding in both traditional craft and fine art practices. By emphasizing these aspects, Derkinderen elevates the status of craft, while also democratizing the fine arts.