Oude bakkerij in Maxen bij Dresden c. 1824 - 1880

This drawing of an old bakery in Maxen, near Dresden, was created by Raden Saleh using graphite. The drawing is dominated by subtle tonal variations, achieved through precise and delicate lines. Saleh carefully renders the textures of the building, contrasting the rough, tiled roof with the smoother walls and the surrounding foliage. Saleh uses composition to direct our eye through the scene; the bakery is centrally positioned, yet partially obscured by vegetation, creating depth and intrigue. The eye is also drawn to the height of the chimney, emphasizing a vertical dimension against the predominantly horizontal spread of the landscape. The drawing reflects a Romantic sensibility, focusing on the picturesque qualities of rural architecture, a semiotic sign of a culture and a time. It invites us to consider how architecture, nature, and human experience intersect. The decaying structure is not merely depicted, but imbued with a sense of history and atmosphere.