Gezicht op Arnhem Possibly 1757

Jan de Beijer created this delicate drawing of Arnhem with pen in gray ink, around the 1750s. Note how Beijer meticulously structures the composition into distinct horizontal bands. This strategic layering of space encourages the eye to systematically explore the artwork. Observe the artist’s calculated use of atmospheric perspective to craft depth. Notice how details become softer and less defined as they recede into the distance. This technique evokes a serene, almost dreamlike quality, typical of landscape art from this period. The monochromatic palette further enhances the sense of tranquility, inviting contemplation. The strategic placement of the vertical wooden pole, slightly off-center, disrupts the symmetry. This element draws attention to the foreground, acting almost as a semiotic marker that signifies both separation and connection to the broader landscape. The function of this marker challenges us to question the relationship between the viewer, the artist, and the scene itself.