Raadhuis aan het marktplein van Wernigerode Possibly 1867 - 1868

Jan Striening captured this view of the Raadhuis on the market square of Wernigerode in a pencil drawing. The composition emphasizes a central perspective, drawing our gaze towards the Raadhuis which dominates the scene. Notice the intricate details of the architecture, rendered with delicate lines that capture its form and texture. The overall effect is one of lightness and transparency. The drawing employs a semiotic system, where architectural elements serve as signs. The Raadhuis, with its elaborate facade and towering spires, signifies civic authority and historical importance. The market square, though lightly sketched, hints at community and commerce. These visual components, read together, provide insights into the cultural codes of 19th-century German society. Striening destabilizes a pure representation by using very fine, almost invisible lines, and an airy, light, composition. Consider how this formal quality transforms the drawing into a cultural and philosophical statement about place and memory. The piece encourages ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation through its emphasis on structure and semiotic signs.