Kasteel Harselo te Bennekom 1731

This ink drawing of Kasteel Harselo in Bennekom was made by Abraham de Haen the Younger around 1731. The paper support is humble, the lines are quickly laid down. It is more of a record than a fine display object. De Haen was not only an artist, but also a merchant, a career which no doubt influenced his aesthetic priorities. We can imagine him quickly capturing the castle’s likeness, perhaps as a souvenir for a wealthy patron or as a preparatory sketch for a more elaborate painting. The artist's hand is evident in the varying line weights and the slight imperfections in perspective, reminding us of the human labor involved in its creation. In its own modest way, this drawing reflects the burgeoning culture of commerce and consumption in the 18th century, documenting a moment in time with efficiency and practicality. It blurs the boundaries between art, documentation, and the marketplace.