Landschap met man op een stokpaard en twee figuren zittend op een paard - Willem Westbroek

A pair of ink sketches by Dutch artist Willem Westbroek, featuring a study of a horse and a whimsical scene of figures with a hobby horse.

This composition by the Dutch artist Willem Westbroek consists of two distinct sketches presented on a single sheet. The upper portion features a study of a horse, rendered with deliberate, rhythmic ink strokes that define the animal's musculature and decorative harness. The lower portion depicts a narrative scene: a man stands beside a tree, holding a hobby horse, while two figures are mounted upon a separate horse nearby. The style is spontaneous and linear, characteristic of Westbroek's approach to drawing, where the economy of line serves to capture movement and form rather than realistic detail.

Westbroek, active throughout the twentieth century, often explored themes of human interaction and play within his work. The inclusion of the hobby horse introduces a whimsical, almost theatrical element to the scene. The artist's hand is visible in the quick, searching lines that construct the figures and the surrounding environment. The inscription, 'Wills Westbroek voor Joop Gaertman 82', indicates the work was a personal gift, providing insight into the artist's social circle and the informal nature of these preparatory or private sketches. The paper shows signs of age, consistent with its provenance as a working document or personal correspondence. This piece offers a direct view into the artist's creative process, showing how he balanced observational study with imaginative, figurative storytelling. The lack of heavy shading or complex perspective keeps the focus entirely on the interaction between the subjects and the playful nature of the depicted scene. It is a fine example of mid-century Dutch graphic work, demonstrating a preference for clarity and direct expression over academic finish.