Uitgebrand huis 1685 - 1690

Jan van der Heyden made this drawing of a burnt house using graphite on paper. The artist's choice of graphite as a medium is notable. Graphite is often associated with preliminary sketches or technical drawings, but here, it takes center stage. This elevates the status of draftsmanship, blurring the lines between utilitarian representation and fine art. Look closely at the textures he has rendered. The weight of the ruined building is enhanced through careful layering and shading with graphite powder. Van der Heyden was also a pioneer in fire hose technology, and his keen observation extended beyond aesthetics. This drawing, therefore, stands as more than just a depiction of urban life; it is a testament to the artist's fascination with societal challenges of labor and class, as well as the destructive potential of fire and the urban landscape. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of making, and the ways in which art can intersect with broader social and technological concerns.