Jongen in zeventiende-eeuwse kleding zittend op een kruk 1868 - 1933

Jan Hoynck van Papendrecht made this drawing of a boy in seventeenth-century dress, likely in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. The work consists only of graphite on paper, which is a relatively inexpensive combination of materials. However, the artist’s skill gives it an arresting presence. Note the control of line, varying from light hatching to heavier marks that lend depth and shadow. Graphite, for all its commonness, can allow for an amazing spectrum of tones. It is especially effective at capturing the folds and textures of the boy’s elaborate costume, and the ornately carved stool upon which he sits. The boy's clothing and the stool contrast with the cheap materials used to produce the drawing. It shows Hoynck van Papendrecht’s mastery of his medium that he evokes luxury through such humble means, revealing the connection between artistry, labor, and the perception of value.