Gezicht op een straat met een poort 1849 - 1895

This pencil drawing of a street scene with a gate was created by Willem Koekkoek in the 19th century. The drawing, made with graphite on paper, showcases the artist's skill in capturing architectural details and spatial relationships. The choice of graphite as a medium is significant. Its accessibility and ease of use allowed Koekkoek to quickly sketch and refine his ideas. The varying pressure of the pencil creates a range of tonal values, giving the drawing depth and texture. Look closely and you will see geometrical forms that suggest that the artist used tools to map the drawing. The precision of the architectural elements contrasts with the softer, more gestural rendering of the surrounding foliage, highlighting the artist's attention to both structure and atmosphere. The use of graphite reflects the changing landscape of artistic practice in the 19th century, where traditional materials were supplemented by more readily available and versatile options. This drawing serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple materials can be used to create compelling and evocative works of art.