Een vernisstokerij aan de Zaan c. 1881 - 1948

Herman Heijenbrock captured "Een vernisstokerij aan de Zaan" with an eye for the geometric structures dominating the varnish factory. Notice how Heijenbrock's subdued palette of greys and browns creates an atmosphere of industrial solemnity. The composition is structured by a network of vertical and horizontal lines, formed by the architectural framework and machinery. These lines intersect, creating a complex grid that both defines the space and guides the viewer's eye through it. This focus on structure echoes early 20th-century formalist concerns, where the inherent organization of elements dictates meaning. The repetition of shapes, such as the cylindrical forms of vats and wheels, emphasizes the industrial rhythm of the factory. The figures within are dwarfed by the machinery, highlighting a nascent dialogue about humanity's relationship with the industrialized world. Consider how the subdued colours add to the sense of the factory’s physical weight, underlining the shift towards an industrialized society.