Gezicht op Oudewater c. 1828 - 1897

This is Adrianus Eversen's sketch, probably from the mid-19th century, made with graphite on paper. The apparent simplicity belies the social context that informed its creation. Eversen was known for his detailed cityscapes, capturing the architecture and everyday life of Dutch towns. But here, the hasty lines suggest a preparatory study, or perhaps a personal exercise. The starkness of the graphite emphasizes its utilitarian nature. Graphite, after all, is the residue of carbonization, and the paper a product of industrial processes, connecting this intimate sketch to wider systems of labor and production. The very act of sketching, rapidly capturing a scene, mirrors the burgeoning pace of industrialization. This work prompts us to consider the value we place on finished artworks versus preliminary sketches, and to recognize the economic and material underpinnings of artistic creation.