Gezicht op een straat met rondbogen c. 1888s

Willem Witsen created this drawing titled 'Gezicht op een straat met rondbogen' using black chalk. The composition is immediately striking: the arches dominate the view, framing a street scene with an almost theatrical presence. Notice the use of line – raw and energetic – which suggests a space still in formation. The drawing balances representation with abstraction. Are we looking at an actual street, or is Witsen more interested in the interplay of forms? This ambiguity destabilizes our expectations. Here, the arch becomes more than just an architectural element; it’s a sign, perhaps a commentary on framing, perspective, or the limits of our vision. Consider how the drawing exists as a cultural artefact, born from and contributing to the evolving discourse on urban experience and artistic representation. Ultimately, Witsen’s street is not just a place, but an idea, an invitation to question how we perceive and represent the world around us.