Ontwerp voor vaas 1851 - 1930

This is Theo Colenbrander’s "Ontwerp voor vaas," a design for a vase, rendered in pencil on paper. At first glance, the drawing presents us with a study in geometric form. The vase is neatly bisected by vertical and horizontal lines, a compositional structure that emphasizes the symmetry and balance inherent in its design. The upper portion is almost a cube, while the lower part presents an inverted trapezoid. The artist’s focus on the vase's architectural qualities and the tension between rounded and angular elements are evident. The inscription around the sketch, which seems to denote instructions or notes regarding the shape of the design, suggests a semiotic system for the artisans who would realize the final ceramic object. Through this, we can see how Colenbrander challenges established meanings, blurring the line between functional design and fine art. The drawing, therefore, becomes not just a plan, but a conceptual exploration of form and function.