Oudeschans te Amsterdam 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this sketch of Oudeschans in Amsterdam using graphite on paper. It’s so immediate, like he’s trying to catch a fleeting moment. The marks are wonderfully chaotic, a mix of hard, definite lines and soft, blurry shading. Look at the way the buildings are rendered with these quick, almost scribbled lines. It’s not about perfection; it’s about capturing the essence of the place, the feel of the light, the weight of the architecture. There's a real sense of movement and energy, like the city is alive and breathing. Think of the Dutch Masters and their cityscapes, then imagine Vreedenburgh fast-forwarding that tradition into the 20th century. It's like he's saying, "Here's Amsterdam, but not as a postcard – as a feeling." And isn't that what art is all about?