Interieur huis Jan Brandes te Skälsebo 1803

Jan Brandes created this interior view of a house in Skälsebo in the late 18th or early 19th century using pen and brown ink, and pencil. The composition is structured through a grid-like arrangement, dividing the interior into distinct sections that offer a fragmented, yet comprehensive view of the space. Brandes uses a consistent eye-level perspective, which enables a continuous visual experience as we move from left to right through the rooms. The materiality of the drawing lies in its linear precision; fine lines delineate architectural details, furniture, and even the figures within, creating a sense of depth and spatial coherence. Brandes' focus on the systematic layout and proportional accuracy reflects the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and order. This drawing serves not just as a representation of space, but also as an exploration of perception, and the structuration of domestic life. It invites us to consider how architectural space shapes human experience and social relations.