Schoorstenen 1849 - 1895

Here we have Willem Koekkoek’s "Schoorstenen," a pencil drawing held at the Rijksmuseum. The composition is immediately striking: three skeletal structures rise from the paper, rendered in delicate, grey lines. The sparseness evokes a sense of industrial architecture stripped bare. Koekkoek's work embodies a tension between representation and abstraction. The chimneys are recognizable forms, yet they are depicted with a focus on their geometric essence rather than realistic detail. Each line contributes to a structural framework, creating an interplay between positive and negative space. The drawing emphasizes the verticality of these forms, which suggests an almost diagrammatic approach. The use of pencil allows for a range of tonal variations, from light washes to darker, more defined strokes. This textural contrast adds depth to the composition, enhancing the overall visual experience. Koekkoek does not merely record what he sees, but rather interprets and reconstructs it through a modernist lens, focusing on shape and spatial arrangements. This artistic decision invites us to look beyond the utilitarian function of the chimneys and appreciate their inherent architectural form.