Seated Woman Watching a Cradle, J. C. (Johannes Christianus) Schotel

Black chalk on paper, roughly 11 x 10 inches (27 x 25 cm); original is in the Morgan Library and Museum, NY.

There is a soft delicate feeling in both the rendering and quality of light in this drawing by the 19th century Dutch artist, who was known primarily for his marine paintings.

The seemingly casual lines used to create the tones of the folds produce a surprising degree of geometric strength. The woman’s hair is simply rendered but superbly naturalistic. The representation of the woven basket is likewise wonderfully economical but effective.