Gezicht op de Molenpoort te Wijk bij Duurstede before 1908

This is Willem Witsen's "Gezicht op de Molenpoort te Wijk bij Duurstede", a drawing now held at the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the artist employs charcoal to create a composition dominated by stark contrasts of light and shadow. The dynamic interplay of lines, both sharp and blurred, forms a complex network that defines the architectural structure. Witsen masterfully uses the medium to explore spatial depth. The Molenpoort, rather than being presented as a solid form, is broken down into planes and angles. This approach reflects a broader artistic interest in dissecting and reassembling traditional forms. The sketch challenges our perception, inviting us to question the stability of architectural representation and the very nature of seeing. The sketch's incomplete, almost fragmented quality, underscores the idea that art is not about capturing a definitive reality, but rather about engaging in a process of inquiry and reinterpretation.