Façade van het huis van het Schippersgilde te Antwerpen en de toren van de Nieuwe Kerk te Middelburg c. 1890 - 1922

Johanna van de Kamer made this pen and ink drawing of architectural landmarks sometime between 1890 and 1922. The contrast of the ink gives the image structure and form. It's interesting to consider the amount of time spent on this artwork. The act of carefully sketching each line and detail shows dedication and skill. We can imagine van de Kamer seated outside, in the street, precisely drawing each stone and window as an act of labor. The drawing prompts us to think about the labor involved in the original buildings as well. The elaborate facades of the Guild House and the New Church speak to the work of masons, carpenters, and other tradespeople. These structures represent not only architectural achievements, but also the collective effort and expertise of skilled laborers. Paying attention to materials, making, and context encourages us to appreciate the many layers of meaning embedded in this drawing and the buildings it depicts.