Het slot te Gouda c. 1715 - 1736

Antonina Houbraken made this drawing of Gouda Castle using pen and brown ink, with brush and grey wash. Houbraken's choice of materials lends itself to detail and precision. The fine lines of the pen define the architectural elements of the castle, from the intricate window patterns to the soaring spires. The grey wash adds depth and shadow, creating a sense of volume and texture. Look closely, and you can see the way the strokes of the brush suggest the rough texture of the stone walls. Drawings like this are usually considered a lesser art than painting; they could be knocked out relatively quickly. But in fact, the control that Houbraken exhibits here is remarkable. It’s a reminder that the perceived hierarchy of art forms often obscures real skill and artistry. It’s important to consider both material and making when we consider a work like this.