Rietdijkse Poort en haven in Dordrecht 1872

Carel Frederik Bendorp made this delicate rendering of the Rietdijkse Poort en haven in Dordrecht, using pen and brush, in the 1800s. The sepia ink creates a soft and tonal effect, suiting the stillness of the scene. Bendorp deployed the reed pen to achieve lines of varying thickness, adding depth and dimension to his composition. The reed pen, crafted from natural reeds, influenced the work's aesthetic; its flexibility allowed Bendorp to capture the intricate details of the architecture and the harbor. It also allowed for a quick and efficient method of documentation. This choice of medium and technique reflects a practicality suited for the task of recording the urban landscape and its features. The drawing not only captures a specific place, but also encapsulates a moment in time, preserving the physical and social elements of the port city for future viewers.