Gezicht op de Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk in Rotterdam 1882 - 1956

Eugène Rensburg made this drawing of the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, using graphite on paper. The choice of graphite as a medium, a relatively inexpensive and accessible material, speaks volumes. Consider the directness and immediacy of the drawing process. Rensburg captures the grandeur of the architecture with simple lines and shading. The texture of the paper becomes an integral part of the artwork. The use of graphite emphasizes the artist’s hand. Each stroke is visible, revealing the artist’s decision-making process. This contrasts with the industrial nature of graphite production, connecting the artwork to broader issues of labor, accessibility, and the democratization of art-making. By focusing on process and materiality, we can appreciate how the artwork embodies social and cultural significance, bridging the gap between fine art and everyday creative practices.