Drie zittende figuren 1872 - 1931

Willem de Zwart made this sketch, “Drie zittende figuren,” with graphite on paper. The softness of the graphite allows for a real fluidity, a kind of searching for the form. I love the way he hasn’t committed to any firm outlines. It’s all about suggestion. Look at the figure on the left. See how the shading on her sleeve is built up with these soft, almost scribbled lines? It reminds me of Cezanne’s watercolors, where he’s building up volume and light with layer upon layer of translucent marks. And the paper tone is allowed to shine through, adding to the sense of light and air. The way de Zwart uses these loose lines gives the whole composition a feeling of movement and change. Like the figures are about to shift in their seats, or the light might change at any moment. It’s this sense of impermanence that makes the drawing so alive. For me, it’s like looking at an unfinished thought, still in process. Like a Degas drawing, but with a softer edge.