Architectural sketches. From travelling in Germany. 1872

This architectural study, rendered in pencil by Vasily Polenov, presents a series of German architectural details. The composition is organised as a collection of studies on a single page, varying from windows to gables. Polenov's interest lies in capturing the details of traditional German architecture. Lines create the forms; hatching and cross-hatching define tonal values, adding depth and volume to the facades. The consistent use of pencil across each study unifies the composition, emphasising the texture of the paper. The juxtaposition of various architectural elements suggests a structuralist exploration of form and function. Each sketch, while isolated, contributes to a broader understanding of German architectural vernacular. It reminds us that meaning arises from the relationships between different elements within a system. This approach destabilizes any singular reading, instead encouraging an appreciation of the architectural forms through their visual language.