Gezicht op Delft c. 1828 - 1897

This is Adrianus Eversen’s sketch of Delft. Eversen, who lived from 1818 to 1897, specialized in townscapes during the height of the Netherlands’ urban expansion. The sketch offers a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch life, shaped by the Industrial Revolution, which transformed not only the landscape but also social dynamics. Eversen likely saw himself as a chronicler of this era, and his work reflects a tension between an idyllic past and the burgeoning modern world. Consider the emotional weight of this moment, and how Eversen's art invites us to reflect on the relationship between progress, place, and identity. Does it celebrate or critique the changes sweeping through Dutch society? The sketch captures a fleeting moment and also reflects the enduring impact of these changes on the human experience.