Gezicht op de Vleeshal op de Botermarkt te Amsterdam 1765

This is an anonymous drawing of the Vleeshal, or meat market, in Amsterdam, created with pen in brown and gray ink. The drawing is structured with a clear emphasis on line and form, presenting the building in a straightforward, architectural manner. The composition is organized around the strong horizontal lines of the building’s facade, balanced by the vertical thrust of its gabled end. The regular rhythm of the windows and supports creates a sense of order and stability. The lines define the form of the building and give it a sense of depth. The use of brown and gray ink adds a tonal complexity, helping to define the play of light and shadow on the building’s surface, and highlights the texture of the brickwork. The drawing’s formal qualities reflect the values of clarity and rationality, characteristic of architectural representation. Yet the simplicity of execution also brings a certain warmth to the subject. The Vleeshal is not just a building, but a part of the city.