Brug en poort van slot te Heemstede c. 1837 - 1903

This delicate image of a gate at Heemstede castle was drawn by Jan Striening, using graphite and watercolor. The artist has deftly used these relatively modest materials to create an atmospheric image. Notice how the graphite lines define the architectural structure, while the washes of watercolor soften the edges and add depth. It’s a sophisticated dance between precision and fluidity, a skillful blend of drawing and painting techniques. Although Striening’s materials are not particularly precious, his technique certainly is. The way he has built up layers of graphite and watercolor suggests an iterative process, a slow and careful accumulation of marks. This kind of labor-intensive approach is often associated with traditional craftsmanship, where the value of an object is directly related to the time and skill invested in its making. Paying attention to the materials and methods used, allows us to appreciate the image as a product of careful craftsmanship, not just a representation of a scene.