Zittende man en vrouw c. 1840 - 1860

Charles Rochussen sketched "Zittende man en vrouw" using graphite, creating a composition defined by its stark simplicity and delicate lines. The subjects, seemingly caught in a moment of repose, offer an intimate glimpse into their lives. Rochussen's deliberate use of line and form invites us to consider the underlying structure of representation itself. Each stroke, though minimal, serves as a signifier, hinting at volumes, textures, and emotional states. The negative space surrounding the figures becomes as crucial as the drawn elements, creating a visual dialogue that destabilizes traditional notions of figure and ground. We are prompted to question what constitutes presence versus absence, and how these elements interact to construct meaning. The sketch challenges fixed meanings through its formal qualities, opening a space for ongoing interpretation. The simplicity invites us to consider the very nature of seeing and understanding.