Dorpshuizen 1913 - 1917

Curator: Here we have "Dorpshuizen" – that translates to Village Houses – a pen and ink sketch on paper by Alexander Shilling, dating from between 1913 and 1917. It's a glimpse into, well, a few humble dwellings. Editor: My first impression is of a scene hastily captured, yet so evocative of a quiet, unassuming existence. There is a palpable sense of stillness; a candid portrait of rural life. Curator: Look at how Shilling uses these simple lines, the very process speaks of efficiency. The buildings, constructed perhaps of rough-hewn timber and thatch, display vernacular craftsmanship born from local resources. These aren't architect-designed masterpieces but practical shelters, reflecting the everyday needs of their inhabitants. Editor: The image speaks of archetypes, though. Consider the steeply pitched roofs. Aren't they symbolic of shelter, a sanctuary? These homes are visual anchors, deeply ingrained in our collective unconscious. Note how the linear form creates a stage for the more substantial structures behind. Curator: It is interesting that the focus appears to be purely on the architecture. The sketch leaves out other details like signs of domestic activity or people that could have created a clearer vision of rural life. It seems almost diagrammatic. Editor: But in its simplicity, isn't there a powerful essence? Think of the psychological resonance of the archetypal "home." These aren't just houses; they are emblems of belonging, stability, the center of existence for countless lives. Shilling distills that idea with remarkable efficiency. It touches something primal, a longing for simple, unadorned refuge. Curator: I find the direct, almost pragmatic way that Shilling approaches this scene so engaging. There are houses rendered with locally sourced materials depicted here as humble dwellings. They aren’t necessarily quaint, nor luxurious. It depicts houses constructed by workers themselves with resources available from that area. Editor: Ultimately, I feel Shilling delivers not merely a picture, but an invitation. A doorway into contemplation, if you will. Curator: Indeed. An honest appraisal of labour and the shelter it provides, captured in minimal form.