Voorstudie 1770 - 1808

Jan Brandes created this sketch, likely in the late 18th century, using graphite or a similar medium on paper. The skeletal outlines of buildings and boats capture a harbor scene. These architectural forms, though lightly sketched, echo the visual language of power and stability found in monuments throughout history. Think of the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia or the triumphal arches of Rome. Such structures often embody a culture's aspirations. The presence of boats introduces a dynamic tension, their forms evoking journeys and crossings, both physical and metaphorical. In ancient iconography, boats frequently symbolize the soul's journey. Consider the Egyptian barque of Ra, traversing the underworld each night. Here, Brandes’ boats, though simple, tap into this deep reservoir of symbolic meaning. It reminds us that every image is part of a larger conversation across time. This visual motif continues to evolve, reflecting humanity's enduring quest for meaning and connection across the currents of history.