Gezicht op de Martinikerk te Groningen 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this drawing of the Martinikerk in Groningen, using graphite on paper. The way the artist captures the scene feels incredibly direct and personal, like he’s recording a fleeting moment in time. I can imagine Vreedenburgh standing in the street, quickly sketching the scene before him. You can almost feel the city’s pulse through his hurried marks, as he’s finding a balance between capturing detail and suggesting movement. See how the lines vary in thickness, from the delicate hatching that defines the architecture to the bold strokes that indicate figures. I feel like he’s also in conversation with other artists who've explored urban landscapes. It reminds me of the way Impressionists like Pissarro would set up their easels on the streets of Paris to capture the city's atmosphere. Ultimately, this drawing speaks to the artist's eye, and their ability to find beauty and interest in the everyday.