Stadsgezicht 1873 - 1932

Wilhelmus Johannes Steenhoff created this watercolor work, 'Stadsgezicht' or 'Cityscape', which now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is dominated by horizontal bands and a muted palette of browns, grays and whites. The upper third is devoted to a cluster of buildings, reduced to simple geometric forms. These structures are vaguely defined, without sharp outlines, creating a sense of atmospheric haziness and a contemplative mood. The buildings mirror themselves in the body of water, creating a symmetry that is interrupted by the slight abstraction of form and tonality. This play with reflection and symmetry introduces a dialogue about perception and reality. Steenhoff seems to draw inspiration from structuralist ideas. By reducing the cityscape to its basic geometric forms, Steenhoff invites us to consider the underlying structure of urban environments and how these structures shape our experience of the city. The artwork is less about representing a specific place and more about exploring the formal qualities of shape, light, and reflection. It invites us to contemplate how art can function as a mirror, reflecting not just the external world but also our internal perceptions.