De Waag in Enkhuizen Possibly 1874 - 1876

Willem de Haas Hemken made this graphite drawing of De Waag in Enkhuizen. Graphite, a form of carbon, is a relatively soft material, allowing the artist to create a range of values, from light to dark, simply by varying the pressure. Here, the artist employs hatching and cross-hatching to define the architectural forms. Look at the varying directions of the strokes, a technique that helps build up shadow and volume. Also, notice how he’s used smudging to create softer transitions and atmospheric effects. This drawing engages with the tradition of architectural sketching, where the artist’s hand and eye work together to capture the essence of a building. The marks on the page emphasize the act of observation and recording, a process tied to both craft and artistic expression. It blurs the lines between technical drawing and fine art.