Spytenburg (Original Title) 1729

Cornelis Pronk rendered this drawing of Spytenburg with pen and brush in grey ink, likely in the early 18th century. Notice how Pronk’s detailed linework doesn’t just depict the building, but almost constructs it before our eyes. Look closely, and you can almost see the bricks being laid, the roof tiles carefully placed. The precise rendering of the building’s facade suggests the importance of accuracy, of faithfully recording this structure. Pronk was renowned for his meticulous approach, producing detailed topographical views and architectural studies. In his role as a draughtsman for the Dutch East India Company, this ability was highly valued. It reminds us that even an unassuming drawing like this one was a form of labor, tied to the economic and political imperatives of its time. It challenges us to look beyond the image itself, and to consider the social context in which it was made.