Gezicht op Gorinchem 1637 - 1678

Willem Schellinks made this panorama of Gorinchem using pen and brown ink, with a grey wash. The choice of materials has a direct impact on the image's overall effect. Pen and ink lends itself to the precise depiction of architectural details, like the wooden fence and brickwork. The grey wash adds depth and shadow, creating a sense of atmosphere and space, and also evoking the damp climate of the Netherlands. Consider the labor involved in producing such a drawing in the 17th century. Schellinks would have needed extensive training to master the techniques of perspective and shading. The work also implies the physical effort of transporting materials, setting up an easel, and spending hours outdoors carefully observing and recording the scene. Schellinks transforms a mundane scene into a compelling image. It reminds us that artistic value resides not only in the subject matter, but also in the skill and labor invested in its making.