Two Nude Women with a Fisherman in a Coastal Setting - Willem Westbroek

A spontaneous figurative sketch by Dutch artist Willem Westbroek, featuring two nude figures and a fisherman rendered in red and blue pencil.

This sketch by the Dutch artist Willem Westbroek offers a glimpse into his spontaneous approach to composition. Executed in red and blue pencil, the work displays a raw, immediate quality typical of preparatory studies or private notations. The scene depicts two female figures positioned on the left, interacting with a solitary male figure who carries a fishing implement. In the background, a distant coastal silhouette suggests a fortified structure or town, providing a sense of place despite the minimal rendering.

Westbroek employs a fluid, calligraphic line that prioritises movement over anatomical precision. The use of two distinct colours allows the viewer to observe the artist's process, as overlapping lines reveal adjustments made during the drawing session. The inclusion of handwritten text, which reads 'Baas onder eigen hemd', adds a layer of narrative ambiguity to the work. This phrase, which translates roughly to 'Master under his own shirt', introduces a colloquial or perhaps ironic tone to the interaction between the figures.

The composition is framed by simplified tree forms that arch over the scene, creating a natural canopy that draws the eye toward the central encounter. The paper shows signs of age, with subtle discolouration that complements the faded quality of the coloured pencil marks. This piece provides insight into Westbroek's practice, where the act of drawing serves as a method for exploring human interaction and spatial relationships. It is a direct, unpretentious record of an idea, capturing a fleeting moment with economy and character. The work is devoid of unnecessary detail, focusing instead on the essential gestures of the figures and the atmospheric suggestion of the coastal environment.