Brug bij Reeuwijk Possibly 1866 - 1929

Here we see Willem Cornelis Rip's sketch in graphite, titled 'Bridge at Reeuwijk.' It's a study across two pages, where simplicity and immediacy guide our eye. Observe how Rip employs a deliberate looseness of line to capture the essence of the landscape, with a focus on structural elements. The bridge and the buildings are rendered with a sense of volume and space through the light application of graphite. Notice the gestural marks of the surrounding foliage; they convey form through their placement and orientation, creating a sense of depth and texture. Rip's approach destabilizes established meanings of representation by focusing on the underlying structure and form, inviting us to consider the bridge not just as a physical object, but as a signifier within a broader landscape. The materiality of the sketch—the paper and graphite—becomes integral to the work, embodying the transient nature of perception and memory.