Studie, mogelijk een boot c. 1935 - 1936

This is Cornelis Vreedenburgh’s pencil sketch, possibly of a boat, now at the Rijksmuseum. The drawing captures a moment of fleeting observation through minimal lines. Vreedenburgh destabilizes the established conventions of maritime representation by stripping the subject down to its bare essentials. The composition is sparse, with a few lines suggesting the boat's structure and sails, evoking a sense of openness. The artist employs a semiotic system, where each line functions as a signifier, hinting at the form and movement of the boat. The use of pencil allows for a range of tonal variations, creating a subtle interplay of light and shadow. Ultimately, the drawing challenges fixed meanings and invites new ways of thinking about space and perception. It reflects broader artistic concerns related to abstraction and the reduction of form. The formal qualities of line and composition create a dialogue between representation and abstraction, encouraging viewers to engage with the artwork's underlying structure.