Twee schetsen van figuren in een landschap 1715 - 1798

These two sketches of figures in a landscape were made by Dionys van Nijmegen in the 18th century using graphite on paper. Graphite, a form of carbon, is a relatively soft material that leaves a mark when rubbed against a surface. The artist held a graphite stick, or perhaps a graphite pencil, and applied pressure to the paper, creating lines and shading. These actions highlight the inherent qualities of the material: its darkness against the paper, its ability to create varied line weights depending on pressure, and its potential for blending and shading. The artist engaged with the skilled tradition of drawing, likely honed through practice and observation, and these drawings have social and cultural significance as preparatory studies, capturing the artist's initial ideas and explorations of form and composition. This work shows the amount of labor involved in the production of art, even in its preliminary stages. Understanding the materials, making process, and social context allows us to appreciate the full meaning of this artwork, challenging any separation between fine art and craft.