Zomer 1641 - 1700

This drawing, "Zomer," was made by Hessel Gerritsz, likely in the early 17th century, using pen and ink on paper. The fine lines create a detailed vista of a fortified city, highlighting the architecture and defenses. The drawing’s material directly influences its appearance; the thinness of the ink allows for intricate details, while the paper provides a neutral ground, emphasizing the precision of the lines. The process of drawing, with its inherent demand for control and accuracy, imbues the work with a sense of realism. Gerritsz was a skilled cartographer and draughtsman, disciplines rooted in the traditions of technical drawing and scientific illustration. Yet beyond the techniques, the drawing speaks to wider social issues. Fortifications like these were enormously expensive, demanding vast amounts of labor to build and maintain. And of course, they also hint at the constant threat of war. This work reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images can reflect the complex interplay of labor, politics, and consumption in their time.