Gezelschap rond een tafel bij nacht c. 1890 - 1936

Frans Lazarom made this drawing, "Gezelschap rond een tafel bij nacht", with ink on paper, capturing a nighttime gathering. The entire piece is alive with hatch marks, a technique where closely spaced parallel lines create areas of tone and texture. It’s a very direct and kind of restless way of working, where every mark is visible and the process feels immediate. Look at the way Lazarom renders the light from the chandelier and candles. The ink isn't just describing form, but also the glow and atmosphere of the scene. The density of marks around the chandelier contrasts with the lighter touches on the figures’ faces, creating a real sense of illumination. The texture of the paper peeks through, adding another layer to the visual experience. This reminds me of some of Käthe Kollwitz's drawings, where she uses a similar approach to convey deep emotion and social commentary. Both artists let the process of mark-making become part of the meaning, embracing the beauty of imperfection and the power of suggestion. There are no answers here, but a lot of great questions!