Achtergevel en doorsnede van een voorgebouw c. 1864

Willem Springer Jr. created this architectural study of a building's facade and cross-section using graphite and watercolor on paper. The structure, composed of vertical lines and rectangular forms, presents an interplay between exterior and interior spaces. The facade, with its rhythmic arrangement of windows, contrasts with the cross-section’s exposure of inner chambers and structural elements. The linear precision provides an analytical view, but the subtle watercolor hints at volume and depth. The drawing isn't merely representational; it is a study of architectural language, a semiotic system where lines and forms denote space, function, and design. Consider how Springer engages with the idea of architectural space, not just as a container, but as a structured environment defined by human activity. The piece invites us to think about the relationship between external appearance and internal reality, questioning how we perceive and inhabit architectural forms. This drawing serves as a meditation on the poetics of architectural design and the built environment.