Ophaalbrug te Reeuwijk Possibly 1866 - 1929

Willem Cornelis Rip sketched "Ophaalbrug te Reeuwijk" with graphite on paper, presenting us with a study of form and light. The composition, divided across two pages, balances abstraction and representation. On the left, we see a cluster of scribbled lines suggesting foliage, juxtaposed with the right page which depicts a bridge scene. Rip’s strategic use of line directs our gaze, with the bridge's sharp angles contrasting the soft, organic forms of the natural elements. The sketch invites contemplation on the relationship between the built environment and nature. The bridge, a symbol of connection, is rendered with a deliberate openness, suggesting a pathway to further interpretation. Rip destabilizes the traditional landscape by fragmenting the scene. Ultimately, the sketch’s incomplete nature is its strength, challenging us to complete the image in our minds. "Ophaalbrug te Reeuwijk" is not just a drawing, but an invitation to engage with the process of seeing.