Gezicht op de Schelde bij Breskens 1860 - 1921

Adolf le Comte made this quick sketch of the Schelde at Breskens using graphite and a touch of blue crayon. The apparent ease with which it’s made belies the years of practice required to achieve this level of spontaneity. Look closely, and you can see how le Comte used varied pressure and angles to create depth and texture in the water and sky. Considered through the lens of labor, the drawing embodies a tension. On one hand, it represents the artist's skilled work. On the other, the efficiency of the drawing reflects industrialization. Graphite itself, mass-produced, made quick sketching accessible. The scene suggests trade and labor, with boats on the water, and the town of Breskens in the distance. So, next time you see a simple drawing, remember that it’s not just about the image. It’s also about the materials, the making, and the context. These elements all contribute to the artwork's full meaning.