Schetsboek met 12 bladen c. 1887 - 1920

Editor: Here we have "Sketchbook with 12 Pages" by Willem Witsen, likely created between 1887 and 1920. It’s comprised of ink and watercolor on paper. Looking at the worn texture of the cover, you almost get the sense that the book has its own story to tell. What can you tell me about its place in history? Curator: That "story" isn’t just a feeling; the sketchbook represents an intimate, yet public-facing object. The very act of sketching gained prominence in the late 19th century alongside the rise of Impressionism, as artists increasingly documented modern life directly from observation. Editor: So, sketching wasn’t always common practice? Curator: No. Before the Impressionist movement and the rise of artistic subcultures, formalized academic painting and sculpture was the primary form of art-making, focusing on studio productions or grand state-sponsored art projects. What do you think the rise of sketchbooks as an artistic object tells us about cultural shifts at the time? Editor: Maybe the rise of sketchbooks democratized art, taking it out of the formal studios and academies and putting artmaking in the hands of ordinary people observing everyday life. Curator: Precisely. Moreover, the notion of "authenticity" in art took hold. These intimate sketchbooks documented personal styles in fleeting moments that couldn’t be achieved in a formal portrait, so there’s an interesting interplay between documenting ‘reality’ and fashioning the artist’s persona, since those artworks were considered important enough to keep and put in museums. Any last thoughts? Editor: It's interesting to consider how the private act of sketching became such a public symbol and tool. Curator: I agree. It provides a great look into artistic life during that time.