Figuren bij een koets 1852 - 1859

Cornelis Springer made this watercolor and graphite drawing of figures by a carriage. The choice of materials offers a glimpse into 19th-century artistic practice. Watercolors, prized for their fluidity, are combined here with graphite, a medium known for its precision. The drawing is infused with spontaneity, achieved through layering washes of pigment to define the forms of the carriage and the figures surrounding it. The graphite lends a subtle texture to the composition. This choice of materials isn't accidental; they speak volumes about the artistic and social context of the time. Springer deftly captures the essence of a bustling street scene with a carriage at center stage. This mode of transport points to a certain level of affluence. The contrast between the finely dressed figures and the humble materials of the drawing invites reflection on the social dynamics of labor and class. Ultimately, "Figuren bij een koets" reminds us to look beyond the surface, to see how the materials and making processes are deeply entwined with wider social and cultural narratives.