Kerk van de H. Michaël te Sint Michielsgestel 1637 - 1700

Jan Abrahamsz. Beerstraten created this drawing of the Kerk van de H. Michaël te Sint Michielsgestel with graphite on paper in the mid-17th century. The starkness of graphite as a medium is striking. Beerstraten used the simple material to capture the church in great detail, from the texture of the stone to the bare tree branches. Graphite, though seemingly basic, allows for a range of tonal values, creating a compelling image with a unique sense of depth and atmosphere. The way that Beerstraten applies it—the marks he makes—also speaks to a specific moment in the history of drawing. In Beerstraten’s time, the labor involved in producing artwork was far more visible than it is now. Patrons understood the skill and time required, and they valued the artwork accordingly. Here, we can consider the drawing as the product of both the artist’s hand, and the social and economic conditions that supported its creation. By considering both the physical and social processes behind this drawing, we can appreciate it not just as a visual image, but as a material testament to its time.