Poort 1772 - 1779

Jean-Baptiste Bichard made this drawing, 'Poort,' sometime in the 18th century. It's a study in ink on paper, focusing on the architectural structure and design. What immediately grabs you is the meticulous line work. Each stroke delineates form, creating a play of light and shadow that articulates the door's features. The composition is neatly divided, juxtaposing the elevation and profile views. This creates a dialogue between the facade and its spatial depth. Bichard's use of hatching to suggest tonal variations provides a sense of depth. The door isn’t just a flat plane; it's a three-dimensional structure grounded in architectural theory. The ordered, precise rendering speaks to Enlightenment ideals of reason and order. This artwork invites us to consider how architectural drawings are not just technical documents, but also artistic interpretations of space and form.