Oude gevels aan de Bickersgracht te Amsterdam 1870 - 1926

This is Willem Wenckebach's drawing of "Old Facades on the Bickersgracht in Amsterdam," currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The drawing presents a detailed street view in tones of grey, likely created with ink on paper. The composition is dominated by the verticality of the buildings, constructed from a clear linear perspective. The facades of the buildings are richly detailed, showing windows, brickwork, and the specific architectural styles typical of Amsterdam. Wenckebach focuses on the geometry of the urban landscape, drawing attention to the structural elements and their arrangement. This approach resonates with formalist concerns about how the artist organizes visual elements to construct meaning. Each line and shadow not only represents the buildings, but also conveys an analytical view of the city. This drawing encourages us to contemplate the interplay between representation and abstraction inherent in architectural art. It highlights the complex ways in which artists use form to convey meaning, offering a visually and intellectually stimulating experience.