Vakwerkhuis te Hamburg 1820 - 1896

Kasparus Karsen made this pencil drawing of a half-timbered house in Hamburg sometime during the 19th Century. At this time, the Netherlands was in a period of relative peace and economic growth, allowing artists like Karsen to focus on the beauty of everyday life. Here, the emphasis is on the architectural structure of the house and its integration into the urban landscape. The sketch focuses on the geometric forms of the building, highlighting the order and rationality valued during this era. This work reflects the cultural values of the time, specifically the emphasis on realism and the celebration of the domestic sphere. While seemingly a neutral depiction, architectural drawings like this can provide insights into the socio-economic conditions and cultural values of the time. They prompt questions about who had access to such housing and the social implications of these living spaces. This drawing is not just an architectural study; it's a subtle commentary on the societal structures of 19th-century Hamburg.