Gezicht op een dak c. 1828 - 1897

Adrianus Eversen made this sketch of a rooftop with pencil on paper sometime in the 19th century. Eversen was known for his cityscapes of Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. This work, though a sketch, offers a glimpse into the urban environment of the Netherlands at the time. We can consider this image as part of a broader interest in the urban landscape in 19th century Dutch art. The rapid growth of cities, along with increasing industrialization, led artists to capture the changing face of urban life. The architecture and layout of cities often reflected the social and economic structures of the time. By studying architectural plans, city records, newspapers, and other historical documents, we can better understand the relationship between art and society in 19th century Netherlands. What was the public role of art at this time? How did it represent the changing social structures of Dutch society? And how did institutions such as art academies shape the production and reception of art? Answering such questions is the task of the historian.