Stadsgezicht vanaf de Amstel c. 1828 - 1897

Adrianus Eversen made this sketch of a cityscape on the Amstel River using graphite on paper. Eversen used graphite, a relatively inexpensive and readily available material that allowed for quick and precise mark-making. Graphite, known for its softness and dark metallic sheen, enabled Eversen to capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow, giving depth to the architectural forms and the movement of the water. The marks are very light. Eversen’s approach also gives a sense of his working process. Graphite allowed him to quickly render the scene before him, prioritizing the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere, and also allowing for easy corrections and adjustments, making it an ideal medium for plein air studies. This sketch offers a glimpse into the artist's method, emphasizing the significance of materials and techniques in understanding the broader context of 19th-century Dutch art and its engagement with urban life.