Gezicht op de Bierhaven te Rotterdam 1896

Willem Witsen rendered this view of the Bierhaven in Rotterdam with graphite on paper. The composition emphasizes a cluster of buildings, their forms articulated through a network of lines. The sketch exudes a stark simplicity and a somewhat somber mood, primarily due to the limited tonal range of graphite. Witsen's concentration on linear structures brings forth a reading that extends beyond mere representation. The lines do not simply outline forms; they construct them, creating a sense of space and depth through varying densities and directions. One may consider this drawing a study in architectural semiotics, where each line functions as a sign, collectively forming a visual language that speaks to the urban environment. The artist here isn't just depicting buildings; he is deconstructing and reconstructing urban space through a formalized language of lines and angles. By reducing the scene to its most fundamental graphic elements, Witsen invites us to consider the interplay between the built environment and our perception of it.