Dorpsgezicht met kerk te Wolvega Possibly 1732 - 1737

This is Abraham de Haen's sketch of a church in Wolvega. It was made with graphite on paper. The sketch's appearance is heavily influenced by the material used and the process of drawing itself. The graphite lines create a sense of depth and dimension, while the texture of the paper adds a subtle roughness to the overall image. De Haen’s technique involves a tradition of draftsmanship that is both artistic and practical, rooted in the need for precise representation. These skills were essential not only for artists but also for architects and engineers. The relatively quick process suggests that this sketch was made on site, perhaps to be developed later in the studio. Ultimately, this seemingly simple sketch exemplifies the fusion of art, craft, and social context, highlighting the importance of materials and making in understanding the artwork's full meaning. It blurs the lines between fine art and more workaday practices of design and building.