Kasteel te Germerzeel en gezichten op Donsbrüggen in Duitsland 1731

Abraham de Haen the second made this pen drawing of Germerzeel Castle and the vistas of Donsbrüggen in Germany sometime between 1707 and 1748. The marks left by the artist’s hand in this album leaf, reveal the quality of his materials. The starkness of the drawing emphasizes the inherent qualities of the paper, its slight texture adding depth to the ink. Pen and ink drawings like these, were not just about replicating a scene; they involved a performative aspect, where the artist’s skill in controlling the flow and pressure of ink on paper played a crucial role. In its original context, this was part of a larger book. Pen and ink drawings, while seemingly simple, required precision and a deep understanding of perspective. The creation of such drawings was part of a tradition that valued skill, patience, and artistic expression, challenging any rigid separation between fine art and craft.