Ruïne van Huis te Merwede bij Dordrecht 1761 - 1779

Hendrik Kobell’s “Ruïne van Huis te Merwede bij Dordrecht” depicts the crumbling remains of a medieval castle, a popular subject for artists of the 18th century. The drawing, made in the 1760s, is a fine example of the artist's early work and features a detailed representation of the building’s decay. The piece exemplifies the Romantic interest in ruin and nostalgia, highlighting the passage of time through the deterioration of the once-proud structure. The drawing’s muted palette and meticulous attention to detail evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection.