Hek bij een kade 1890 - 1946

This sketch of a dockside scene was made by Cornelis Vreedenburgh, using graphite pencil on paper. Here we can see how Vreedenburgh reduces a complex industrial landscape to its barest essentials with graphite. There’s no bravura performance here, no illusion of depth or volume. The drawing's all about a clear analysis of form. The artist is more interested in the way these shapes communicate, and the way that these forms allow him to see and represent a structure within the urban environment. The choice of graphite itself is also revealing. It is a humble material, readily available and easily worked. It allows for quick studies and annotations, as if Vreedenburgh is trying to record his impressions as efficiently as possible. When you look at this modest drawing, remember that its apparent simplicity is deceptive. It reflects a deep understanding of materials and methods. It also speaks to the social context in which Vreedenburgh was working, one where the rapid pace of industrialization was transforming the world around him.