Gezicht op het koor van de Sint-Catharinakerk te Den Bosch 1849 - 1895

This quick sketch of the Sint-Catharinakerk choir in Den Bosch was made by Willem Koekkoek in the 19th century. Using just pencil on paper, Koekkoek captures the grandeur of the architecture with careful attention to line and form. The composition is structured around the geometric interplay of the church and surrounding buildings, creating a balanced yet dynamic view. Notice how Koekkoek uses hatching and shading to define the volumes and textures of the stone and brickwork. This technique not only enhances the realism of the scene, but also engages with the 19th-century fascination with detail and accuracy. The sketch invites us to consider the relationship between architectural space and the act of seeing, a key concern of realist art. Observe the contrast between the rigid lines of the architecture and the softer, more atmospheric rendering of the sky. This contrast draws attention to the artwork’s formal elements and highlights how Koekkoek’s technical skill brings a sense of depth and perspective to the urban landscape.