Stadsgezicht met figuren op een brug te Delft 1888 - 1889

This drawing captures a cityscape with figures on a bridge in Delft, created by Alexander Shilling. Notice how the buildings are rendered with dense cross-hatching. This technique not only defines the forms but also suggests a certain weightiness and solidity. The composition is carefully structured, with the bridge and buildings creating a strong horizontal emphasis. This is counterbalanced by the vertical elements of the lampposts and the reflections in the water. The use of line is particularly striking. Shilling employs both delicate, barely-there strokes and bold, assertive marks to delineate the architectural details and the movement of the water. The restricted palette of monochrome allows us to focus on the interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the textural qualities of the drawing. Shilling’s formal choices invite us to consider how the artist has captured the essence of this urban landscape. The drawing reflects a broader interest in how simple marks can represent complex scenes.