Vergissing Possibly 1905

This illustration, *Vergissing*, captures a moment with deft, quick strokes of ink by an anonymous artist. The scene comes to life through simple lines and a limited palette. I imagine the artist leaning over the paper, etching each line with purpose, watching the narrative unfold with each mark. What were they thinking as they drew the figures’ exaggerated expressions, the auctioneer’s raised hammer, the subtle body language? Maybe they were chuckling, maybe they were irritated. It’s fascinating how a few well-placed lines can convey so much – the tension in the room, the absurdity of the situation. These simple marks are not so far removed from a painting’s gestural brushstrokes: they both have a kind of emotional intensity and presence. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about what you depict, but how you depict it. Each artist, in turn, inspires another, and our collective visual language evolves. The story told here feels open-ended, inviting us to interpret and reinterpret the situation.