Gezicht op de achterzijde van de Waag te Gouda 1715

This detailed drawing depicts the rear of the Waag in Gouda, created by an anonymous artist. Executed with ink, the work’s meticulous lines and geometric precision present a formal study in architectural structure and civic authority. The composition emphasises symmetry and balance. The building’s facade, with its evenly spaced windows and central arched entrance, evokes a sense of order. The roofline is adorned with heraldic symbols, reinforcing the building’s function within the community. The stark monochrome palette and the artist’s attention to detail—seen in the precise rendering of textures and materials—directs the viewer to engage with the artwork's intrinsic formal qualities. Structurally, the drawing captures the essence of Dutch classicism, using a visual language that speaks to ideas of rationality and civic pride. The drawing does not merely represent the Waag, but also communicates broader cultural values associated with Dutch society at the time. By decoding the structured elements, we gain insight into the cultural and philosophical meanings embedded in this architectural portrait.