Stadsgezichten 1822 - 1893

Editor: So, here we have Willem Troost's "Stadsgezichten," dating sometime between 1822 and 1893. It's a pencil and colored pencil drawing, part of the Rijksmuseum collection. It strikes me as a fleeting glimpse of urban life, almost like a memory fading at the edges. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, yes! More than just a fleeting glimpse, I feel it is almost as though Troost has gifted us the chance to peek over his shoulder while he sketched. There is intimacy to the work. A quiet day, sitting by the canal... perhaps enjoying some *bitterballen* between sketches! The beauty of the work comes from the simple immediacy of the lines. I wonder: are these buildings that still exist today? Editor: Bitterballen… Suddenly I am hungry! It really does feel like he just quickly jotted down what he saw. So, what makes this more than just, say, architectural planning notes? Is it the realism? Curator: Good question. It's interesting to call it "realism." While there are realist elements – you can see the architecture and relative perspectives being correct -- I am thinking this sketch embodies something more honest than mere copying what he saw, and that, for me, places it above architectural renderings. We get to share his view. Almost an empathy. Do you agree? Editor: I see what you mean! The imperfections are endearing, not sloppy. And, that pencil work is lovely. Curator: Precisely! It has a charm doesn't it? Like sharing someone's secret moment of artistic observation. Something so raw can connect so much with your soul... you feel? Editor: Absolutely. It reminds us that art doesn't always have to be polished to be powerful. Thanks for sharing your perspective, it definitely changes how I look at it. Curator: My pleasure! Art should change us... if we let it!