Achtergevels van huizen aan de Warmoesstraat 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh sketched the rear facades of houses on Warmoesstraat using graphite pencil on paper. Vreedenburgh, born in the Netherlands in 1880, lived through both World Wars, an era of shifting cultural identities and social norms. The Warmoesstraat, one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets, has a long history as a center for trade and commerce. While Vreedenburgh's sketch appears simple, we must consider how these buildings, often inhabited by working-class families, represent the intersection of urban development, economic activity, and daily life. The drawing captures the essence of the urban landscape. It is a portrait of a society shaped by both progress and tradition. The sketch avoids idealization, revealing an honest look at the architecture that defines the city. Vreedenburgh offers a glimpse into the lived experiences of the city's inhabitants, asking us to consider the stories behind the facades.