Gezicht op de Molensteeg te Wijk bij Duurstede 1906 - 1907

Willem Witsen made this drawing of Molensteeg in Wijk bij Duurstede with crayon or charcoal on paper. The marks are soft and smudgy, but at the same time, the artist managed to communicate a lot of information about the location. The texture of the paper is part of the image, lending an atmospheric quality. Witsen captured the essence of a place using everyday materials and a simple technique. The use of crayon or charcoal allowed for quick, expressive lines, ideal for capturing the fleeting qualities of light and shadow in the Molensteeg, and the figures within it. This piece is an example of how humble materials can convey depth and feeling. The choice to work in a monochrome palette emphasizes form and tone, inviting us to appreciate the artistry involved in creating this image. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the more immediate medium of drawing.