Schetsboek met 83 bladen c. 1765 - 1775

This sketchbook was made by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and is now held in the Rijksmuseum. What might seem like a simple collection of paper bound in leather actually reveals a lot about artistic practice in the 18th century. The leather cover, worn and textured, hints at the book's frequent use and the journeys it may have taken. The paper within, carefully chosen for its ability to capture fine lines and subtle gradations of tone, was the direct result of skilled labor in the paper mills of the day. But consider, too, what this sketchbook represents in terms of artistic labor. It stands as a testament to countless hours of observation, practice, and refinement. Sketchbooks like these were essential tools for artists. They allowed for the rapid capture of ideas and the study of forms. In this way, the sketchbook represents the indispensable role of craft in the cultivation of artistic skill. It challenges the notion of art as purely intellectual or inspired. Instead, it underlines the importance of material engagement and dedicated practice.