Havenhoofd met schepen 1870 - 1931

Willem Bastiaan Tholen made this drawing, Havenhoofd met schepen, using graphite on paper. The first thing we notice is its directness, a result of the artist's hand being so evident. The graphite is applied with varying pressure, creating a range of tones that suggest depth and atmosphere, from the heavy strokes defining the wooden pier, to the delicate shading of the sky. The choice of graphite is significant, a humble material capable of great subtlety, yet also associated with industrial production. In this case, the labor isn't literal but suggested through the image's subject. The boats depicted are key elements in the maritime industries of the period, representing trade, transport, and the labor of countless individuals. By emphasizing the materiality and methods of production, we can appreciate the artwork beyond its aesthetic qualities and realize the significance of its social and cultural context.