t'Stadthuis te Sneck 

Cornelis Pronk made this drawing of the Town Hall in Sneek with pen and brown ink, and gray wash. The material itself, the ink, has a fineness that lends itself perfectly to architectural precision. The controlled, parallel strokes of the shading are so meticulous, they almost seem mechanical. But look closer, and you’ll notice the artist’s hand at work. Consider the time and labor involved in producing such a detailed depiction. The very act of drawing, with its slow, deliberate marks, becomes a form of documentation, a record of observation and skill. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are the result of complex processes, choices, and techniques. Paying attention to these aspects of making encourages us to think about the social and cultural values embedded within the artwork itself. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the artist's labor, and the cultural context in which they worked.