Gezicht op een kade 1834 - 1903

Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch made this landscape view with black chalk, a medium that is not quite as granular as charcoal, not quite as precise as graphite pencil. In this work, the inherent qualities of the chalk influence the appearance of the work, particularly its texture. Weissenbruch used the chalk to capture the damp atmosphere of the scene. The strokes of the chalk are visible, adding a sense of movement and energy to the drawing. There is also a starkness to the monochromatic palette, which only serves to heighten the feeling of desolation. The use of chalk also speaks to the artist's engagement with the tradition of drawing as a fundamental skill for painters. Chalk allowed for quick studies and preliminary sketches, capturing the essence of a scene before committing to a more elaborate painting. It is a humble medium, yet capable of great expressiveness in the right hands. Weissenbruch elevated chalk, bridging the gap between the sketch and the finished work of art.