View of Lahnstein on the River Rhine 1631 - 1641

Wenceslaus Hollar’s ‘View of Lahnstein on the River Rhine’ is a delicate rendering in pen and brown and red ink over graphite on paper. Hollar was a master of printmaking, and this drawing’s fine, descriptive lines anticipate the engraved line. There’s a real sense of the artist using line to capture the essence of the scene, describing the town of Lahnstein with its architectural structures and the flowing river, filled with commerce and life, alongside its banks with horses pulling another vessel. The drawing’s overall tonality is light and airy. It emphasizes a sense of place and activity of the industrious river, and depicts an early modern harbor. The architecture looms in the distance and it reflects a highly picturesque mode of description. Considering this work, it is important to remember that Hollar was not only an accomplished draughtsman but also a recorder of places. By understanding the material and processes employed, we come to appreciate the artistry behind this detailed vista.