Twee kaders, waarvan een met een gezicht op de Prins Hendrikkade te Amsterdam c. 1897

Willem Witsen made this sketchbook page, featuring two framed compositions, with graphite on paper. One frame contains a view of the Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam. The apparent simplicity belies the artist’s control. With an economy of marks, Witsen captured the atmosphere of the cityscape, emphasizing the reflections on the water. The hardness of the graphite is key to the aesthetic effect, allowing Witsen to suggest outlines and shadows with a limited tonal range. Sketchbooks offer direct insight into the artist’s process. This page suggests a conscious decision to frame and present particular views. In the 19th century, rapid industrialization and urbanization transformed cities like Amsterdam. Artists responded by capturing the changing urban landscape, reflecting social and economic shifts. Paying close attention to materials, techniques, and context, we begin to understand the significance of the artist’s decisions, and the ways in which craft and fine art intersect.