Studie 1890 - 1946

This sketch by Cornelis Vreedenburgh invites us to consider the role of preliminary work in the artistic process. Vreedenburgh lived through both World Wars and, while he is mainly known for his cityscapes, this study offers an introspective view into his practice. The sketch provides a structural outline, a foundation upon which a more detailed work could be built. But it is also complete in and of itself. What stories do we tell ourselves about how things should be done, what steps need to be taken before we reach our goals? The bareness of the sketch invites us to challenge notions of completion and perfection. It reminds us that every grand creation begins with a simple idea, a line, a mark. It represents the quiet, unseen labor that underlies every finished masterpiece. Much like our own personal journeys, which are filled with preparatory steps. This piece is a testament to the value of process, the beauty of imperfection, and the power of a simple beginning.